Shirley Ann Tyfting

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Tyfting (nee Gillard) on Friday March 15, 2024. Surrounded by her family, Shirley passed away peacefully in Chilliwack British Columbia after a brief hospital stay.

Shirley was born on July 9, 1940 in Santa Barbara, California, she spent her early years growing up in Alameda California, attended Willamette University in Oregon, started her teaching career in Seattle Washington, and later relocated to Agassiz British Columbia after her marriage to Karl George Tyfting on June 10, 1965. Karl and Shirley built a beautiful life together in Agassiz until Karl passed away at the age of 37 on April 8, 1976. Shirley remained in Agassiz to raise her three sons in the close knit community, surrounded by the loving extended Tyfting family.

Shirley was a teacher in Seattle and Agassiz, and later a bookkeeper for a local dentist office and for many years at Modern Tire/Chevron in Agassiz. She was a devoted Mother and Grandmother and also enjoyed traveling with her family, especially to warm and sunny destinations. She had many close friendships and enjoyed spending time with friends from her sorority, her bridge group, the UCW, and the Friendship House. Shirley was always willing to volunteer her time to organize events and activities in the local community - she was loved. She had a love of animals; Gigi, Nicki, Misty, Aimee, and Mya were a few of the female toy poodles that were her cherished long time companions. She is survived by three sons Kirk Tyfting (Stephanie), Kevin Tyfting (Marilyn) and Kraig Tyfting (Mayo) and her grandchildren,

Benjamin, Madeline, Kari, Kathy, and Lisa; and her cousin Judy Kemp (Mike), and the many loving Tyfting family relatives. She was preceded in death by Karl Tyfting (husband), Al & Barbara Gillard (parents), and Fran McGregor (sister).

Shirley taught us all about unconditional love and how to find joy in the little things in life - a day in the sun, a great conversation on the phone with a friend or relative, a camping trip, time in her favorite chair with a dog by her side, and a great cup of coffee - she taught us all to appreciate what we have. She will be so missed.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Agassiz United Church on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.