Shirley Catherine MURRAY
Shirley Catherine MURRAY
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Shirley MURRAY Obituary
1947 - 2016
Shirley Catherine Murray (nee Clarke) had a heartbreaking battle with cancer that ended on March 6, 2016. Throughout these last months, she carried herself with perpetual dignity and strength. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Chris Clarke and her brother-in-law, Ray Smith. She is survived by her sisters Eileen (Martin) Sutcliffe and Pat Smith as well as her life partner, Keith Kendal. Keith's sisters, Betty Lindholm and Peggy Elzinga will genuinely miss Shirley's friendship. Shirley also leaves behind the children and grandchildren of her heart: Ian (Bev), Mike (Cathy), Kim, Sam, Jeff, Becky (Patrick), Tom, Joe and Cassandra. She played an enormous part in our family; her generous nature and indisputable spirit have deeply touched our lives. Shirley arrived in Calgary in 1968 having trained in the U.K. in both studio dance forms (ballet, tap, jazz, and national) and Laban's Modern Educational Dance. She influenced an entire generation of dance education and physical education teachers in Canada through her role as Professor of Dance Education in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary since 1968, and with her choreography, workshops, productions, publications, presentations and adjudications all over the world. Her amazing passion for teaching was reflected in the numerous teaching excellence awards from her students, peers and beyond. Shirley was one of the founders of the Dance Education program at the University of Calgary, and of Dance Montage, now entering its 47th consecutive year. Blending sport and dance concepts was Shirley's special gift and she had a rare ability to transform the most reluctant dance student into a stage performer! Shirley's proudest moment as a choreographer was the work she created for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony with 1200 local youth, including the music artist, Feist. Our thanks to Patty Powers and the rest of the angels at Foothills Country Hospice for their fine care. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel of Eden Brook Funeral Home (17th Avenue and Lower Springbank Rd SW, Calgary) on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to please make donations to the Shirley C. Murray Dance Scholarship at the University of Calgary. Please contact Paula Michetti at [email protected] / 403-220-5944 to make your donation. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.edenbrookcemetery.ca. Arrangements entrusted to EDEN BROOK FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 24223 Twp Rd 242, Calgary, AB, T3Z 3K2.
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29 Entries
January 11, 2017
Keith! It was a gift to connect with you the other evening. I just 411 for a # and they connected me to you. Shirley's death was not known by me. 34 years in a special relationship is a gift. May you journey forward in peace. Don Axford
Wayne Rooke
May 24, 2016
Ian & Keith...my deepest sympathy and very sincere condolences. I've only just learned of Shirley's passing; she was a very special,kind lady. If I can assist in any way just say the word
Carol Clark
April 18, 2016
Shirley, When you were a young girl, myself, sisters and brother were in awe of your beauty. As we all grew, you were still beautiful but we were more impressed by your sparkling personality which lit up a room. The last time I saw you, at your Mother's funeral, you spoke eloquently, with dignity, but also with a glimpse of the humour which ran through your life. You were the all-round English|Canadian Rose and I know that Eileen and Pat, together with your wider English family, will mourn with Keith and your Canadian family. Fly free beautiful lady
Much love, Cousin Carol
Mimi Goodwin-Szentesi
March 29, 2016
Shirley was a part of the Goodwin family as soon as she arrived in Canada . She knew that she was the fourth sister and was loved and admired . I can see her dancing now, and hear her laughing . We will miss her so much. Keith, your loss is more than words can express and our hearts are with you. Much love to all . Mimi Goodwin Szentesi
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Iona Boughton(nee Masslow)
March 27, 2016
Shirley may the light of your spirit continue to bring joy to those whose hearts you have touched. Now without pain or suffering enjoy a dance made in heaven.
Iona Boughton (nee Masslow)
March 27, 2016
Shirley touched my life and heart in so many ways. As a former student of her's at UofC, co-creator with her in what was 'Children in Dance'; dancer in a couple of her montage pieces; student of her's when she taught sessions for the Calgary Carl Orff Chapter; and as a parent of a daughter who also danced under her direction, I will dearly miss Shirley and her remarkable talents in choreographing; and teaching Creative Dance. She is and will always be lovingly remembered. My most sincere condolences to her family.
Astrid O'Toole
March 25, 2016
I was deeply saddend to hear that Shirley has passed away. Although I had only met her on a couple of occasions I will always remember her as a beautiful and talented young woman. I am a dear friend of many years to her sister Pat and I know that she will be sorely missed by both Pat and her sister Eileen. They were a very close trio and her passing will leave a huge gap in both of their lives. My condolences also go out to her partner Keith and his family as well as her numerous friends. Shirley touched so many people in her life and will be greatly missed.
March 21, 2016
Our sincere sympathy to Keith and family. Our children participated in the Opening Ceremonies in 1988. We will always picture Shirley's incredible talent and energy in the incredible production she orchestrated. The visual spectacle brought Calgary into the hearts and lives of our youth and the world. Shirley, you will always be remembered.
Rob and Fran Anderson
Laurie Korstad
March 19, 2016
I am so lucky to have known Shirley. She was beautiful, inspiring and joyful. I will miss her.
Donna Luchak
March 16, 2016
I am honoured to have known Shirley and she will always be my inspiration. Such a kind and gentle lady. Knowing Shirley, she's already started choreographing Montage in the Heavens! My condolences to you and your family Keith. Dance on Shirley!!
Judi Goodwin Lee
March 16, 2016
Inspiration, friend, sister. We all loved Shirley from the moment she first came to Canada and became part of our family. You will be missed.
Barb & Mags
March 15, 2016
Pat, Eileen, Keith & Family: We are so very saddened by Shirley's passing. We had the pleasure of experiencing her warmth and kindness and will never forget her friendliness and mischievous sense of humour. She will live on,not only through her work, but also through her ability to touch the hearts of everyone she met.
Kathleen Goodwin Hoggan
March 14, 2016
Shirley. The world's most beautiful, kind and talented Shirley. Most of all - Keith's Shirley. I am so sorry she is no longer with us in body - but will always be with us in spirit. We three Goodwin girls always thought of her as our surrogate sister. She will be remembered with love.
Anita Cleary
March 14, 2016
I am deeply saddened by Shirley's passing. My deepest condolences to Pat, Eileen, Keith and family. I knew Shirley for over fifty years, first meeting her as a beautiful and talented teenager, in her native Manchester.
Anita Cleary
Annalisa Whittle
March 14, 2016
Shirley was truly one in a million. She would light up a room from the moment she walked in. I am forever grateful for our friendship and will hold it dear to my heart. She will be deeply, deeply missed.
To Keith and family, I wish you strength during this difficult time. She will be shining down on you with that great big smile of hers. A dancing angel.
Patricia Ann Eustace
March 14, 2016
So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. Though I didn't know her well, her sister Pat is a very dear friend of many years. My condolences to you all and may Friday be a true celebration of her life,
March 13, 2016
Keith, Eileen, Pat: share your grief and love for Shirley. Losing my old school pal is unbearable after 50+ years. She will remain in our hearts for ever. Treasure the affection and love we shared despite the distance between us.
Bernice and Ian, Sale, Manchester, England
March 13, 2016
Pat, Eileen Keith and family. We are devastated by Shirley's passing. She was such a bright light, full of fun and energy, warm and welcoming.So many happy memories. She will be dancing with the Angels. Lots of love and hugs Liz and Carolyn xxxx
Wirral , England
Maire Eaton
March 13, 2016
To Shirley's Canadian and UK families I offer my thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this dark time in your lives. May the care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.
From Maire, a good friend of Shirley's British family
Gary Pozzo
March 12, 2016
Keith , Shirley was such an amazing individual,please know my sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you during this hardest of times, my condolences to you and Shirleys family.
Jim (Deak) and Margie Cassidy
March 12, 2016
Keith,
We were so very sorry to read of Shirley's passing. Our sincere condolences.
Jack Neumann
March 11, 2016
My sincere thoughts on the passing of Shirley, a fabulous colleague and friend. I had the pleasure of being in the Faculty with Shirley for over three decades. She was a delight to work with always having a smile no matter the situation. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time, Keith, Tom and entire family.
March 11, 2016
Dear Keith and family:
We are so saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. She was such an amazing lady. Please know our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.
Kelly & Marilyn Bennett
friend Ron and Marg Gill,,we Know how much Shirley Loved Golden Retriever Dogs,,,
Ron and Marg ,, Gill
March 11, 2016
Liz McPhail
March 11, 2016
Keith we saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. She was a very special lady and we have the fondest memories of her. She brightened everyone's life.
Love Liz and Donnie
Jane Jacobs
March 11, 2016
Dearest Keith and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our bright light Shirley is now shining in the sky to watch over us. Love Jane and family
Michelle Joels(Tysowski)
March 11, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Shirley. She was a wonderful woman. Keith our thoughts and love is with you. I imagine mom and Shirley sitting out on your deck having a coffee.
Our condolences.
Michelle, Gareth and Aaric
March 11, 2016
We will miss her 'shining' at Book Club, at Beano's, at Dogs on the Deck, at Christmas Breakfast, at Sensational Six Hiking Reunions, and at all the other special times we shared with our Shirley over the past decades ... but she will be in our hearts always. Barb Downey
Wayne and Caroline Giles
March 11, 2016
Shirley was a good friend. We will miss her bright smile and infectious laugh. Our lives are the better for having known her. Sincere condolences to her family.
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24223 Township Road 242, Calgary, AB T3Z 3K2
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