Mrs. Shirley Noreen Imogene Van West

(nee Miller)

1930 - 2021

Mom was a vibrant soul, and right up until she became less able to interact with others she was full of joy and was always eager to chat or sing. She was forthright but kind which endeared her to everyone she came into contact with. It’s a great testament to her nature that she formed so many long lasting friendships over the years. If anyone wanted to know what was going on in the family, regardless of whether it was on Mom or Dad’s side, she was always the first you’d call. She was also a great letter writer and could keep a long distance call going for quite a while.

Mom was born in 1930 in British Guyana, the eldest of 4 girls: herself, Joan, Elsa and Bernice. As they grew they added a boy to the mix when their foster brother, James came into their lives.

In 1958, while on a group camping trip she met my dad and a year later they were married. I came along a few years later. Mom & Dad had a strong marriage, celebrating 55 wonderful years together.

In 1970, my parents decided to emigrate to Canada and Mom very quickly found a job as an Executive Assistant working for the Ontario Government. She loved her job, retiring from there after 21 successful years.

As with everything and everyone I grew up, met and married the love of my life, my husband Chris and within a few years made Mom & Dad grandparents twice over. Opa & Oma as Sarah and Arianna called them, were over the moon with happiness.

Mom loved being a grandmother. She enjoyed shopping for the girls and having them come to visit. Unfortunately, the girls lost their favoured position with the birth of my granddaughter, Jasmine. If being a grandmother was great, being a great grandmother was even better.

By that time Mom & Dad had already moved to BC in order to enjoy their Golden Years in good weather. They settled into retirement life and made new friends, especially Mom, as she became a social butterfly. She was active with her church and that’s where she made many more goods friends.

In 2014, Dad passed away after a protracted decline and Mom was left to carry on. She realized that an assisted living community would work best for her and it did for a few years until she fell and broke her leg in the Fall of 2017. She never fully recovered and if I had to pinpoint the start of her decline I would say it was then. Mom moved to Fleetwood Place and she once again made friends easily. The staff loved & respected her and she in turn enjoyed her time there. It was only in the last few weeks that Mom’s health declined rapidly. She passed away quietly in her sleep on February 28, 2021. I was able to be with her for the last week of her time here, but I believe that she has gone to a better place.

My lasting memories of Mom are simple: she was a hardworking, vibrant figure of strength who never waned in her faith or support and love for her family. She soldiered on even when times were tough.

Mom, thank you for everything you’ve given me, all the sacrifices made on my behalf and the warmth of motherhood that you bestowed on me. You will never be forgotten.

Love,

Tracy

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsurrey.com for the Van West family.