Shirley Rose McSween

Shirley Rose McSween passed away peacefully in Calgary, on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the age of 82 years. Shirley is lovingly remembered by her sons, Glenn (Anita), David and Kevin (Danell), grandchildren, Jason (Lisa), Jennifer (Chris), Daniel (Daniella), Amber (Scott) and Daniel Jordan (Amora); 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Jim (Alma) Bourne and Doug Bourne as well as numerous friends and family. She is predeceased by her husband Ross and sister-in-law Joan.

Shirley graduated from Calgary’s Western Canada High School and went onto become a proud Registered Nursing graduate of the Calgary General Hospital class of 1956. She maintained close ties to both her classmates and the CGH Alumnae Association for the rest of her life. The frequent class meetings, dinners, reunions, camping & golfing trips were some of her most cherished functions. As was the tradition at the time, some type of baking was always taken to these meetings, and she never failed to remind her kids, “Don’t eat the pink cake, it’s for the alumnae…”

Shirley & Ross made their home and raised their family in the community of Triwood, which was a new suburb on the edge of town at the time they took up residence in 1958. They were both heavily involved with a variety of activities in and around the community as their kids grew and their interests changed. Shirley, to this day, still enjoyed attending the Thursday afternoon Tri-Liters ladies group for fun filled activities and conversations at the community center.

Each and every one of Shirley’s many activities, whether it was: camping, golfing, curling, picnics, dinner theaters, square dancing in the 1988 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, or class reunions, revolved around the involvement of both her friends and family. As travelling was Shirley’s passion, it was rare that on one of her many trips, be it on a cruise ship, plane, train, bus, or the motor home, did not include meeting some friends or family when arriving at the destination. Most, if not all, of the trips were taken with other couples, usually Barb & Dave Durnie, her closest friend, nursing classmate, and neighbor, or larger class & community groups.

Our family treasured the many dinners at Nana and Grandpas house, and looked forward to smelling the wonderful aromas that engulfed each one of us when we walked in the door. Nana always had plenty to eat and, by far, made the most outstanding gravy on the planet! She indulged in family game times and always played to win, but also laughed along with everyone’s silliness. Her Grandchildren have many wonderful memories of their time with their Nana!

A Funeral will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary, 201, 222 – 58 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 2S3. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.