Shirley June Barton

With great sadness we announce that Shirley June Barton has passed away. She died on February 5th, 2022 at Dufferin Place in Nanaimo. Shirley was born in Vancouver on June 17th, 1934. She was predeceased by her parents Robert and May Barton and by 1st born son Douglas Grondahl. Shirley is survived by her sons David Grondahl (Susan), Craig Barton and her daughter Susan Grondahl and grandchildren Carter,  Laura and Rylee. Shirley is also survived by her sister Marilyn (Neal - deceased) brother Bob (Faye) and very good friends Margaret Follis and Christine Betts. Being 87 - most of her other friends have passed away. Shirley was the Godmother to Wendy Lywood - a special person in Shirley's life. Shirley is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Shirley was a warm and loving person who always strived to live a peaceful and yet adventurous life. And even though some people in her life far too often made peace an impossibility she never allowed the anger and bitterness that often comes as a result to consume her. She remained a person of quality. A decent, caring and generous human being. On March 3rd, 2017, Shirley was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Over time her body became ravaged by the disease. The last year of her life was especially difficult. Both of her legs severely contracted into her body causing her a great deal of pain. And yet... every time we would visit with her or talk to her on the phone she did her best to be supportive and loving in spite of how she was feeling physically. The world has lost a very special person and she will be missed dearly by those who loved her. We are grateful for how she was treated at Dufferin Place. They were always kind and caring. A small, family funeral was held on Valentine's Day. To honour Shirley please consider donating to a Parkinson's Disease charity.