Obituary - Shirley Akers

Shirley passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 13, 2023, just 9 days before her 75^thbirthday, surrounded by her family. Along with Alan, her husband of over 53 years, Shirley’s memory will be cherished by her daughter, Kristin (Brian) Weighill; son, David (Veronica) Akers; grandchildren, Samantha, Carter, Charlie, Tristan, Elizabeth, and Annabelle; sisters, Sharon Kirvan and Sheila (Dwayne) McFadzen; brother-in-law, George (Jeanette) Akers as well as nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband’s parents. Shirley was born in Medicine Hat and raised in Redcliff. She met her future husband, Alan, in High School and moved to Edmonton in 1967 where he attended University. While planning for their wedding, Shirley worked exceedingly hard to save up all the money required for a five week European honeymoon. After their marriage in 1970, Shirley and Alan moved to Calgary and in 1974 they moved to Prince George. While there, they were blessed with the arrival of their two children leading to Shirley’s life-long devotion and commitment to her family. In 1982, the family returned to Calgary where she resided for the next 41 years. Shirley was a tireless volunteer with her children’s activities, was a member of the Calgary CA Wives Club, the Glencoe Club, and the Glencoe Golf and Country Club – recording two holes-in-one! Shirley and Alan travelled extensively throughout Canada, USA, Europe, Central America and Peru. Shirley’s travels to England with her family to visit with extended family members were memorable to her as were her holidays for 25 years to her home in Ramona, California. She was happiest hosting her family at Disneyland and in Hawaii. Other memorable times were the weddings of her children and the births and activities of her grandchildren as well as hosting her many friends at home with a glass of Asti in hand. Shirley enjoyed ‘her 40's' and celebrated with the purchase of a Miata sports car. She took immense pride in her appearance, and that of her homes, and was a very skilled craftsperson creating diverse works. Shirley loved music and would listen for hours while Alan played piano at home. She was a very outgoing, loving person who cared deeply for her friends and family. Shirley was very proud of her upbringing, her English heritage, and accomplishments of herself, family and friends, devoted and committed to their achievements. Although she faced many health problems throughout her life, Shirley endured her pain and suffering quietly. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and had surgery, chemotherapy, ablation treatments and immunotherapy for the next two years. She showed extreme courage and positivity throughout her illness and treatments. While successful, the side effects were debilitating, greatly weakening her immunity, but not her spirit and resolve. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Anna Cameron, NP Pam Sweeney of the Tom Baker Cancer Center for their tireless attention to Shirley’s well-being. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at the Gordon Memorial United Church, 401 - 2nd Street S.E. in Redcliff, AB., on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a reception thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2.