Shirley Ilene Sawyer

Shirley Sawyer passed away quietly in her sleep on her 50th wedding anniversary, June 11, 2016. Shirley was born in Cereal, Alta., the youngest of four children of Harry and Edith (Matsell) Farquhar. She was a granddaughter of Captain James Augustus Farquhar, a well-known sailor, salvager and sealer.

Shirley was born prematurely, and not expected to live. She surprised everyone by thriving and living to be almost 92. Shirley grew up in Hortonville (Grand Pre) where she owned and enjoyed riding a Sable Island pony named Kit.

She trained as a Pharmacy Technician and worked in various drug stores, eventually spending 18 years at Camp Hill Hospital. In 1966, she met and married Douglas Sawyer, General Manager of Ben's Bakery.

Shirley had many interests. She had a strong Christian faith and used her piano playing gift to accompany many services in churches and nursing homes. She supported Symphony Nova Scotia, eventually becoming the president of the Symphony Auxiliary, later renamed Women for Music.

An accomplished golfer, many division titles were won by Shirley over the years. She was a wonderful cook and she and Doug hosted many fine parties over their many years at Spring Garden Terrace.

Shirley hosted Devotional Teas in her building every week for six years. She kept scrapbooks of every picture and card and wedding invitation she received. She enjoyed working on the family genealogy.

Shirley and Doug owned a summer home at White Point, downsizing to Chandler Cove in Chester. They spent some time at Melville Heights, and finally moved to Rose Marie Care Home in Hantsport, in the valley that Shirley loved.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Douglas; her stepdaughter, Lynn (Paul Bezanson); her brother, Donald Farquhar; sister-in-law,

Madeleine Farquhar; cousins, Laddie Farquhar, Janet Evans and Kent Martin; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Benjamin Farquhar; her sister, Joan Hutchinson.

Family flowers only. Donations to:www.alzheimers.ca/ns

A Service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held in First Congregational Church, 1871 Seldon St., Halifax on Thursday, June 16th at 1 p.m.