It is with great sadness and humbled hearts that we, the family of Shirley Mae Poulette, announce her passing on November 18th 2023, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Taking rest after a most courageous battle with breast cancer. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and the comfort of her caretakers.
Shirley, the youngest of 12 children, was born to the late Richard and Mary Ann (Sylliboy) Poulette, on May 6th, 1961.
Shirley was raised on Beach Road in Eskasoni where she spent most of her summer days going swimming with each generation of children in the family swimming, playing games and roasting hotdogs.
Shirley Mae had a heart full of love and compassion for others. She spent years taking care of different family members as a home care worker, looking after elders and tending to their needs. Shirley always spent time with any family who were sick in hospital. She stayed by their side for support during their difficult time. Shirley also practiced her culture by volunteering at wakes and by helping to get the home ready. Also at funerals, making sure everyone in the family had a flower to wear. She would bring baked goodies and meals to feed guests.
She enjoyed having fun and being silly, especially during Halloween, her favorite time of year. Halloween was a major event in her home for years, celebrating with decorations, parties and dressing up for days with her children and grandchildren.
One of her favorite community events was the winter carnivals princess pageant. She always dressed her best to sit in the audience to cheer on the young ladies. Shirley herself won 1st runner up when she was just a young lady.
Shirley's love for family was so great, she had the ability to make everyone feel loved and appreciated, greeting her nieces and nephews with a "Hi baby girl" or a "hello kwis" followed by one of Shirley's famous hugs and kisses on the cheek. She had many nieces and nephews and she adored each one of them and loved them like her own. She had special bonds with Charmaine, Audreyann, George, Amanda and Julie. They all took great care of each other throughout the years.
One of her favorite things to do with the grandchildren was baking. She would have the kitchen going all day, baking cakes, cookies, rice crispy squares and cupcakes. Blueberry cake and apple upside-down cake wer her specialty. And every Christmas she made enough homemade bread to give to all of her family.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband Vaughen Sr. her daughters Maryann (Kenneth), Sasha (Stu), her baby boy Vaughen Jr. (Bern), also her grandchildren Kenneth (Gabby), Chloe Mae (Waycobah), Namara, Charlie (Helen), Reese, Kenderick, Breian, Malia'n, Ava, Mila, Ainsley, Alayah, and Nelson. Her Great Grandsons Kenson, Kohen, Kiaus, and Karter all of Eskasoni.
Shirley is also survived by her three brothers Brendon (Mary) Poulette, Richard Poulette, both of Eskasoni. Charles (Betty) Poulette of Paqtnkek. Her foster bro Bertram (Muin) Bernard, brother in law Donald Francis Sr. her sisters, Audrey (Robert) Stevens, Margaret (Mugsy) Poulette, Louise Herney, and Mildred Poulette, sister in law Margareth Poulette all of Eskasoni. Godchildren, Dale Leon Sa'n, Charlene Johnson, and Muin jij Paul.
Besides her parents, Shirley is predeceased by her paternal grandparents Levi and Nancy Poulette, her maternal grandparents Rose and Noel Sylliboy. Her siblings, Raymond Poulette and Findlay Poulette. Her sisters Marie (Germaine) Francis, and Brenda Jane Poulette. Her Godparents Simon and Mary Sylliboy. Her granddaughter Nevaeh Doucette all of Eskasoni.
Visitation for Shirley will take place at the Gabriel Centre starting at 7 pm on Saturday, Nov 25. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am at Holy Family Church, Eskasoni on Monday, Nov 27 with Fr. Antolin Asor officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Family Parish Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
