Shirley Vona Tabian

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Vona Tabian at home on October 31, 2024 at the age of 90, a beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother and pillar of our family. Known for her boundless love and unwavering support, mom touched the lives of all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband Tom, her loving children Linda (John), Sharon, Ron (Kathy), Carol and Bob and her cherished grandchildren, Jamie (predeceased), Joel (Jennifer), Alissa (Andrew), Trevor (predeceased), Daniel (Michelle), Jeremy, Richelle (Paul), Mitch (Jessica), Danica (Taylor) and Blake (Ayzia). She was also proud GG to 14 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her siblings and their families, sister Wendy and brother Brian (Trudy) and the families of her brother Jack (predeceased), as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Shirley was born in Bonnyville, Alberta on Oct 16, 1934. 9 years later, her family moved to Richmond, BC where her parents owned and operated a grocery store on #5 Road. She graduated in 1952 from Richmond High School where she excelled in sports and was classmates with Tom. They dated after high school and married in 1954. They set up their first home in Richmond, then resided for 2 years in Edmonton where daughters Linda (1956) and Sharon (1958) were born. They returned to Richmond in 1958, building a home on Ryan Road in 1960. Ron (1961), Carol (1962) and Bob (1964) completed the Tabian family. Mom had a full life raising children, driving to sports practices and events, music lessons, brownies, guides, cubs and scouts. We camped at Cultus Lake on weekends and took an annual camping trip to Kalamalka Lake meeting up with the Sanders family.

They purchased 25 acres in Bradner in 1973, cleared the bush and rocks and built a barn and then a large family home in 1975. They settled in to hobby farming life with cows, goats, horses, pigs, ducks and dogs. Shirl loved to garden and spent countless hours playing in the dirt taking pleasure in her flowers and sharing the bounty of her massive vegetable garden.

When the children were mostly grown, she worked as a florist at Helen Williams Flowers and later as a bookkeeper for Century Lighting. She loved the independence that having her own paycheque gave her. A passionate golfer, curler and card player, she found joy in the camaraderie of playing these games with her friends and family.

Mom loved and spoiled the grandchildren as they came along. She introduced most of the grandkids to golf, card games, and loved having sleepovers with them. Every birthday and holiday was an event for a family dinner or excuse for a get-together.

In 1997, Shirl and Tom ventured on a cross Canada expedition and then, in the years following continued to enjoy rv'ing throughout BC golfing, cycling and visiting friends and family. The dreary winter months were spent in Palm Springs (1999-2010) where they golfed some more, danced and partied in the company of new and old friends. They also went on numerous cruises with their good friends the Macaulay's.

Sadly, mom's health started to deteriorate in 2012 when she had hip replacement surgery, followed by a replacement knee in 2014. She fell and broke her leg in 2019 and had a stroke later that same year. Dad took over as primary caregiver and she did not lack for anything. They took daily drives to the A&W or Wendy's for hot chocolate (or frosties in the summer) and liked to people watch from the comfort of their vehicle. Many hours were spent on the back sundeck taking pleasure in the warmth of the sunshine overlooking and surveying their vast domain.

A celebration of her life will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11am where memories and stories will be shared in her honor followed by a light lunch. No flowers by request. Those wishing to honor her life can make a donation in her name to the BC Cancer Foundation.