Shirley Elizabeth Himmelman

The daughter of Alexander and Hilda Cushing, Shirley was born in Halifax and raised in Melville Cove. She spent most of her life in Halifax and Bridgewater, building a life full of love, laughter, and family. She was the beloved wife of George Himmelman for 60 years. Together, they raised three children, Kirk, John and Jill. Shirley was also a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to six — a role she embraced with endless warmth, care, and joy.

Shirley is survived by her children Kirk (Kimberly) Himmelman, Halifax, John (Elaine) Himmelman, Mahone Bay and Jill (John) MacNeil, Clearwater, FL. She was a loving grandmother (Ma) to Alexander, Jonathan (Joseph), Nikolaus, Jeffrey (Charlotte), Thomas (Charlotte), Kerrie (Brett), and Kaitlin (Joseph); and Great Grandmother (GG) to Joshua, Elisabeth, Henry, Basil, Violet and Sofia. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Franklin Himmelman. She was predeceased by her husband George and brothers Graham and Michael Cushing.

Shirley had a gift for making others feel at home. A gracious hostess and natural entertainer, she brought people together through countless gatherings in her home, where family and friends were always welcome. She cultivated many diverse friendships, which she maintained throughout her life. Summers were especially treasured at the cottage in Sunnybrook. There, she and George spent joyful days sailing aboard Magic Swirlin’ Ship, racing or entertaining guests on the water. Most importantly, they cherished family time, whether it involved trailering, skiing, boating, or spending afternoons on the cottage wharf with their grandchildren.

An active member of her community, Shirley was an avid golfer and passionate curler. She played not only for the love of the sport but for the connections it brought her. She served terms as women’s president of Mayflower Curling Club and Oakfield Golf and Country Club. She had been a longtime member of the IODE and a volunteer for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Shirley enjoyed serving on committees for local and national amateur sporting events and had a particular zeal for entertainment. Whether organizing events at the curling club or hosting post-game gatherings, Shirley’s presence was always felt — lively, welcoming, and full of heart.

Above all, Shirley loved her family. She especially loved Christmas and birthdays with them, never missing a chance to share her warmth, her stories, and her carefully chosen gifts.

Her kindness, laughter, and warm smile will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 30th, 4:00-6:00 p.m. and funeral service will be held Thursday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m. Both will take place at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax.