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Shirley D. Atkinson
September 11, 1937 - September 08, 2024
BORN
September 11, 1937
DIED
September 08, 2024
Shirley Atkinson Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Doreen Atkinson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend. Shirley passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2024, at the age of 86, after a short time in the hospital.
Shirley was born on September 11, 1937, in Grand Prairie, Alberta, the eldest of four children (Pat, Helen, and Freddie) born to Sophie and Fred Olenick. She spent her formative years in Tauppar, Alberta, where her father was employed by the railway, and her mother operated a general store while raising the children. At the age of 11, the family relocated to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, where her Parents embarked on a new career managing the Beverly Guest House then operating a small logging operation and gas station. Shirley completed her secondary education at NDSS High School in Nanaimo, laying the foundation for her future pursuits.
Shirley briefly attended the University of British Columbia, where she met her future husband, Ronald Bruce Atkinson. She subsequently enrolled in the UBC School of Nursing, where she began her distinguished career in healthcare. Shirley practiced as a nurse in Vancouver and was on duty emergency nurse during the 2nd Narrows/Iron worker memorial collapse in 1958, a pivotal moment in her early career. Following this, Shirley and Bruce relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, where Bruce pursued studies at Yale University, and Shirley continued her nursing career until their return to Canada to start a family. Demonstrating her commitment to her profession, a devoted nurse, Shirley retrained as a critical care nurse when her children reached high school age, riding in the back of ambulances and serving on the front lines with unwavering dedication.
Shirley was known not only for her professional accomplishments, but also her community service and zest for life. She spent many years volunteering her time with the Cowichan Valley Hospital Foundation and one year as chair. She was an avid walker and golfer, a voracious reader, and a passionate traveller who explored the world and honed her culinary skills in cooking classes from Thailand to Africa, and Egypt, to Paris. As a celebrated hostess, her home was always filled with laughter, warmth, and the delicious aromas of her kitchen, becoming a beloved figure not only to her family but also to her children's friends. In Shirley and Bruce's retirement, they spent half the year in Palm Desert, while becoming avid boaters back on the island spending summers on the boat up in Desolation Sound with many close friends.
Shirley is survived by her three children, John [Lucia], Matthew [Isobel], and Sara [Jonathan]; her 2 sisters Pat, Helen [Dan] her cherished grandchildren, James, Sofia, Grace, Joseph, Jasmine, Nave, and Dean; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Elijah, Noah, and Killian. She was predeceased by her parents, Sophie and Fred Olenick, and her brother Freddie.
The family extends their deepest gratitude for the numerous expressions of sympathy and support received during this time of bereavement.
A celebration of Shirley's life will be held in the spring, providing an opportunity to honour her legacy and the remarkable impact she had on those around her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. Shirley's memory will forever be treasured by all who were privileged to know her.
As well a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital for the care she received. Nurses Mary-Lou, Nick, and Bless were particularly caring and wonderful, also thanks to Dr. Woo.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/victoria-bc/shirley-atkinson-11982940
Shirley was born on September 11, 1937, in Grand Prairie, Alberta, the eldest of four children (Pat, Helen, and Freddie) born to Sophie and Fred Olenick. She spent her formative years in Tauppar, Alberta, where her father was employed by the railway, and her mother operated a general store while raising the children. At the age of 11, the family relocated to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, where her Parents embarked on a new career managing the Beverly Guest House then operating a small logging operation and gas station. Shirley completed her secondary education at NDSS High School in Nanaimo, laying the foundation for her future pursuits.
Shirley briefly attended the University of British Columbia, where she met her future husband, Ronald Bruce Atkinson. She subsequently enrolled in the UBC School of Nursing, where she began her distinguished career in healthcare. Shirley practiced as a nurse in Vancouver and was on duty emergency nurse during the 2nd Narrows/Iron worker memorial collapse in 1958, a pivotal moment in her early career. Following this, Shirley and Bruce relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, where Bruce pursued studies at Yale University, and Shirley continued her nursing career until their return to Canada to start a family. Demonstrating her commitment to her profession, a devoted nurse, Shirley retrained as a critical care nurse when her children reached high school age, riding in the back of ambulances and serving on the front lines with unwavering dedication.
Shirley was known not only for her professional accomplishments, but also her community service and zest for life. She spent many years volunteering her time with the Cowichan Valley Hospital Foundation and one year as chair. She was an avid walker and golfer, a voracious reader, and a passionate traveller who explored the world and honed her culinary skills in cooking classes from Thailand to Africa, and Egypt, to Paris. As a celebrated hostess, her home was always filled with laughter, warmth, and the delicious aromas of her kitchen, becoming a beloved figure not only to her family but also to her children's friends. In Shirley and Bruce's retirement, they spent half the year in Palm Desert, while becoming avid boaters back on the island spending summers on the boat up in Desolation Sound with many close friends.
Shirley is survived by her three children, John [Lucia], Matthew [Isobel], and Sara [Jonathan]; her 2 sisters Pat, Helen [Dan] her cherished grandchildren, James, Sofia, Grace, Joseph, Jasmine, Nave, and Dean; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Elijah, Noah, and Killian. She was predeceased by her parents, Sophie and Fred Olenick, and her brother Freddie.
The family extends their deepest gratitude for the numerous expressions of sympathy and support received during this time of bereavement.
A celebration of Shirley's life will be held in the spring, providing an opportunity to honour her legacy and the remarkable impact she had on those around her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. Shirley's memory will forever be treasured by all who were privileged to know her.
As well a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital for the care she received. Nurses Mary-Lou, Nick, and Bless were particularly caring and wonderful, also thanks to Dr. Woo.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/victoria-bc/shirley-atkinson-11982940
Published by The Times Colonist from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7, 2024.
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