Shirley Doris Fortune

June 10, 1938 – February 10, 2021

Shirley Doris Fortune passed away peacefully on Feb 10, 2021, at the age of 82, in Abbotsford, BC with her daughter, Karen at her side. She is now home with her Lord and Saviour.

Shirley was born June 10, 1938 in Ladysmith, BC, to George and Ruth Hansen. Shirley and her younger sister Noreen were raised in several logging camps throughout B.C, with the family eventually settling in Port Alberni. Upon graduating high school, Shirley and 2 girlfriends decided to travel. The 3 girls bought a 1949 GMC half ton pick up truck for $350. One of the girls father built a camper on the back of the truck for them to live in. They named the truck “Will-A-Way”, for when there is a will there is a way! On June 5, 1957, the three girls set off on a trip of a life time. They travelled in “Will- A- Way” to Calgary, and Mexico City. Eventually, the three young ladies ended up in Jamaica. They decided to work and live there for a year. After the year spent in Jamaica, the girls made their way to Montreal, Quebec. These adventures sparked Shirleys love of traveling and exploring the world. The plan was to work and save enough money so that they could continue their travels to Europe. However, instead of continuing their travels, the young ladies met their future husbands and new dreams ended their five years of traveling. Shirley met Donald Fortune, and they were married in July of 1962.

They welcomed their first child David, in May of 1963. In 1964 they relocated from Montreal to Vancouver BC. Karen was born in 1968, and Larry arrived in 1970. The family eventually settled in Tsawwassen BC.

The family was very active members of the Tsawwassen Alliance Church. The family was involved on the board, working with young people, and planning several youth ski trips to Whistler and to Mt. Baker. Shirley was a born planner and these activities thrived under Shirley. She was well know for her amazing lists! In her later years, Shirley began organizing the “ Young @ Heart” seniors group. These adventures and experiences were fully enjoyed by the members and anticipation grew for the next new outing.

Shirley was always planning for her next great adventure. She taught her family to always be saving for a plane ticket someplace so they too, could have their own grande experiences. Some of her adventures sent her to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Europe, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Alaska, Caribbean, Israel, Jordan, Texas, New Orleans and Hawaii. She was always ready for her next trip! Shirley was always working on something and enjoyed her hobbies. Embroidery, rug hooking, cake decorating, oil painting, knitting, scrapbooking, travelling , and gardening filled her creative spirit. Shirleys passion for plants, garden design and colours flourished under her green thumb. When she would visit with David and his family in Dallas, she would beautify their garden. Her visits to Karens home in Aldergrove, led to many trips to the local garden centres with Karen and hours puttering around the garden. She was known to say, “The garden was God’s medicine”.

Shirley was very dedicated to her family and to her Faith. She was a prayer warrior and believed that even during hard difficult times God was in control. Her family meant everything to her. She traveled down to Dallas as often as she could to spend time with her son David, his wife, Geetha and her two beautiful grandchildren. The distance never hindered her involvement with the family. She was able to make more amazing memories with his family as she was able to travel with them several times. When she wasn’t in Dallas, Shirley could be found in Aldergrove. Shirley spent many days with her daughter, Karen, her husband Allan and her wonderful grandsons. She helped with nurturing and raising the boys. She provided unconditional love, guidance, faith, hope and laughter. These moments will be treasured for a lifetime. The families were blessed to have had the honour to call her mom and Nana.

Shirley is survived by her son David (Geetha Ram), Nicholas and Maya, her daughter Karen Tombe (Allan), Noah and Tyson, and son Larry (Elviera).

“A life well lived is a precious gift.”