Shirley Mae Dallman (nee Hustler)

Shirley was born on December 17, 1948, in Brampton, Ontario, the second daughter of Grace and Lloyd Hustler. Shirley always looked out for the welfare of others. She was thoughtful and never afraid to speak her mind. Her compassion and appreciation for science led her to enroll in the nursing program at Toronto Western Hospital after high school.

It was during her time in nursing school that she met her husband, Jim Dallman, while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends. A chance meeting led to a first date, then many more. Jim and Shirley were married on September 30, 1972, and began a true partnership based on many things, including a shared love of travel, starting with England, France, and Switzerland.

Shirley worked as a Registered Nurse in Toronto, Peterborough, and London, before welcoming their first child, Andrew, in 1976. In 1978, they moved to Calgary where Shirley began a long and meaningful career at Foothills Hospital. Deeply respected, she worked across orthopedics, general medicine, the short stay unit, and step-down trauma until her retirement in 2013. Their second child, Sarah, was born in 1980, followed by Stephen in 1983. The 80s and 90s brought family trips to Ontario to visit family and many road trips involving tenting and sightseeing across Alberta, British Columbia, and the northwestern United States. Raising three kids and Casey, the family dog, had its challenges, but Shirley, even while working part-time, was the glue that held everyone and everything together.

Shirley was an active member of Northminster United Church (Summit View), contributing to the banner guild, prayer chain, and pastoral care committee. She continued her involvement in pastoral care and healing pathways for many years. In retirement, Jim and Shirley continued exploring the world, visiting Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, England, and most recently Japan where she reunited with her childhood pen pal and friend. They also cherished quiet moments at home, cooking together, gardening and spending time with family.

Over the last sixteen years, Shirley went from Super Mom to Super Nana. Her children and five grandchildren will remember her for her strength, kindness, thoughtfulness in never missing an important milestone, and for always being there in both the good times and the hard ones. And, of course, for her holiday cookies, homemade pies and the very best rhubarb cake that were the heart of family traditions.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her husband Jim; children Andrew (Christa), Sarah (Stephen), and Stephen (Kirsten); her grandchildren Evan, Alyssa, Jackson, Viola, and Malcolm; her sister Marlene (Gary); her brother in law Mac (Judy); and her nieces, nephews, extended family, church community, neighbours, and friends.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to her wonderful care team at Agapé Hospice, her palliative home care nurses Amanda and Erin, the oncology care team at Arthur Child Cancer Centre, and Summit View United Church for the care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Summit View United Church, 3303 Capitol Hill Crescent NW, Calgary, AB on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.