Shirley Evon Charron

Shirley Evon Charron (Kunz) aged 67 years passed away peacefully at Mission Memorial Hospital on March 20, 2016 with her loving husband by her side, Allan Charron of 32 years. She will be lovingly remembered by Allan and daughter Nicole (Ryan); mother in-law Dolores Mander; sister-in-laws Linda and Cathy; brother-in-law Michael; grandchildren Blair and Tristan; sister Darlene; nieces Donna (Dwayne), Dawn (Neil) and Jessie (Steven); nephews Joe (Shelia) and Paul (Shelenni). Shirley is predeceased by her parents Robert and Margaret Kunz.

Shirley Evon Kunz was born in New Westminster on September 10, 1948 and grew up in Maple Ridge, graduating from MRSS. After Shirley’s graduation she travelled a great deal with the good friend, whom we call to this day here sister, Leni. After her travelling days were over, Shirley would enter the retail business, starting with Copp The Shoe Man in New Westminster and then at the Satchel Shop. During that time she was also buying and selling condos, fixing them up, doing all the work herself at night and re selling them; putting away all her money to start her own business called, “Shirley’s Leather and Travel Boutique” in Maple Ridge. She ran this business for over 20 years, until she retired.

I was very fortunate to have met Shirley when by chance I stopped in for a quick beer one night in January 1984. She had been taken out that night by her sister, also by chance. Shirley did not go out very often as she would be always be planning her next day at the store, so we went for coffee and after a short chat I went home with her store location in my hand. She told me she thought I would not show up, boy did I surprise her when I did. We started dating and were married in June of that year. It was an honor and privilege to be Shirley’s husband for 32 years, and she gave me the best Father’s Day present on June 14, 1985 – Nicole Rene Charron.

Shirley was full of life and loved to help people. She always had time for people, even when we were away from the store, people would come up to us just to say hi and ask how we and Niki were doing. Shirley always thought of others first before herself, and always had time to listen with a smile.

When we would go to the trade shows and take Niki with us she became the star. The reps would spend all their time with Niki. Shirley’s most important job was to be the best mom she could be to Niki and boy did she ever do a great job. Today Niki is a picture of her mom!

Shirley and I loved to travel and were very lucky to see a lot of places. Her favorite places were Disneyland with Niki or down at my dad’s trailer at Boundary Bay on the weekends.

Shirley’s best time of the year of course was Christmas, it meant that Nicki and Ryan would be coming home, along with our two grandchildren, Blair and Tristan. Then Boxing Day we would have a house full with all of our family and friends. She loved to entertain, she loved her family so much and loved to hear their stories. Shirley also loved Halloween and seeing all the kids in their costumes. She would sit downstairs with our dog Cooper and give out the candy, except her favorite ones, O Henry bars, she would keep for herself.

Shirley’s long 8 year battle came to an end on March 20th with me by her side. She never complained about the pain she was having, even when I asked her if I could help, she would say no, that she was ok. That was the person she was. She worried more about me and how was I going to be other than herself.

I love you and miss you so much, and that’s all I have to say.

Allan and Nicole would like to thank his second family at Reddale Construction and Quadra Homes for their love, support and prayers over the last few months and all of the contractors. A special thanks to Pastor Dan and Linda for their tremendous support through this difficult time and Caroline for her support to Nicole and Blair. We would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Shirley during her long battle.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on May 21, 2016 at Cedar Valley Mennonite Church (8312 Cedar Street, Mission BC) at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.