Kathleen Shirley Park

1921 - 2017

Shirley Park passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 14, 2017, at the age of 96, at Bethammi Nursing Home with family by her side. She was born on February 20, 1921 in Brandon, Manitoba. In 1942 she met and married her husband Dr. R.J. Grierson Park. They moved to St. Thomas, Ontario where he was stationed with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the war Shirley and Grier relocated to Fort William where her husband began his medical career.

They enjoyed many happy summers at their camp at Amethyst Harbour with their 3 children, Betty, Ken, and Ted. Shirley loved to play tennis and spend time with close friends and neighbours, especially her best friends Norma and Gus MacLeay. In winter, Shirley enjoyed curling, her bridge club and travelling with her husband, especially to her favorite places, Mexico, Portugal, and Florida. She was a member of the I.O.D.E., and a lifetime member of the C.W.L. of St. Patrick's Cathedral. She was very social, enjoying hosting dinner parties for friends and she was especially known for her New Year's Eve parties.

Shirley is survived by her three children: daughter Betty McCauley; sons Ken Park (Sheila), and Ted Park (Debby); grandchildren: Michelle Fiorot (John), Laura McCauley (Todd), Cathy McCauley (Dave); great grandchildren: Gabriel and Jack Fiorot, Sarah Ficek and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband: Dr. R.J. Grierson Park in 2009 after 67 years of marriage; her parents Patrick and Alberta Brown; stepmother Eva Brown; brothers Homer and Ted Brown; sister Evelyn Brown and son-in-law Jim McCauley.

A private graveside service was held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 with Monsignor P.M. Stilla officiating.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to long-time family friend Dr. Andrej Habjan who cared for Shirley for many years. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and PSW's at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Hospital. We would also like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Koo, Father Blazek, and the nurses and staff members at Bethammi Nursing Home, where Shirley spent the last 2 1/2 years, for their care, compassion and kindness. Thank you to Rachel and staff at Jenkens Funeral Home and Sunset Memorial Gardens for their assistance and professionalism. The family would also like to express their gratitude and appreciation to Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla for officiating at the service.

Donations to St. Joseph's Care Group – Bethammi Nursing Home or the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre would be appreciated.

On line condolences at:
www.jenkens-funeral.ca