Shirley Ann Anton

Shirley was born in Lacombe, Alberta the evening of July 2nd, 1941, the first of four children to Ben and Iona Shannon. She grew up in Lamming Mills with her parents and siblings, Edith (Gordie), Leo (Helen) and Beverely (Eugene). Lamming Mills had a special place in Shirley’s heart, and she would often reminisce about stories of her home, church, school days, and friends. She travelled early, in fact her first trip to Rocky Mountain House was in the month she was born.

Shirley met her husband Stan in Kelowna, where they were married March 20th, 1961, at the Rutland Seventh Day Adventist Church. Stan’s work took them to Malakwa, BC where the boys were born. First Howard (Gayle) and less than a year later, Robert (Denise) was born. Shirley loved babies and was thrilled to have two of her own. Living with two little boys in the bush (as she called it) kept her busy as there was a railroad on one side of the home and a river on the other and she never knew which way to go first when one or both would toddle off. After 10 years, they moved to Armstrong where they had their third child Carolynn (Brent). Shirley worked at the Fletcher Challenge tree nursery for many years later. After retiring she remained busy by working at a local organic vegetable farm and volunteering at the IPE and Hospital Auxiliary. She remained in the same house in Armstrong for 44 years.

When Stan passed away in 1990 her world was turned upside down. Shirley found comfort in her church, her garden, her piano and the visits and phone calls with friends and sisters. When Shirley’s son, Robert passed away in 1999 there was tremendous grief but together, she and Kyla moved forward, supported by their family. Shirley found joy in cooking special vegetarian dinners, trips to visit family, and travel get-a-ways. In fact, Shirley climbed to the glacier at Joffrey Lake to celebrate her 65th birthday.

Shirley loved her church, playing piano, working in the garden, taking long walks around town, canning, baking and crocheting. Anyone who came for a visit left with a knitted washcloth. Shirley loved singing hymns, something that she continued to do right through her dementia journey.

Shirley loved her 7 grandchildren, Kyla (Mathew), Jacob (Miranda), Kristin (Alex), Thomas (Alicia), Lucy, Macintyre, and Benjamin and six great grandchildren Liam, Felix, Millie, Ollie, Lucas, and Jolene.

To her family, Shirley will remain as a light in their hearts as they remember her love, laughter and kindness and the cherished images of her contented, unadorned, purposeful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

A Celebration Of Life will be held on Monday, June 30th, 2025 at 10:00 AM from the Armstrong Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3745 Patten Drive, Armstrong, BC

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299