Obituary - Shirley O'Reilly

Shirley Evelyn (Clarke) O’Reilly

November 15, 1934 to August 21, 2025

Shirley’s soul went peacefully to be with the Lord on August 21 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Shirley 90, born to Frank and Elsie Clarke in the small picturesque town of Springdale, Newfoundland the second youngest of 7 children and was the last surviving. It is with deep emotion that we fondly remember that amazing generation of which Shirley amplified its Strength, Joy and Love.

Shirley was pre-deceased by her passionate husband, Hubert of 63 years. She is survived by: her 5 children; Todd (Darlene), Greg (Joan), Trent (Bev), Jackie (Aaron) & Sharron, 13 grandchildren; Ryan, Adam, Alisha, Deanne, Shane, Mark, Rebekah, Danielle, Brett, Austin, Hayley, Aven, Cameron and 9 great-grandchildren; Hudson, Finn, Cohen, Emmy, Gwen, Millie, Rupert, Owen and Benjamin.

Shirley’s Joy was contagious throughout her whole life, even in these last few difficult years of struggling through dementia. She had a sparkle in her eyes that shone the Love of Christ in her heart and the love and compassion she had for others. Shirley had so much loving family around her in Medicine Hat and enjoyed her many outings; walking by the river, going for an ice cream, but most of all family gatherings with food, laughter and much love. She especially enjoyed playing with her great grandchildren and they loved playing with her. Also a big hug and thank you to the amazing staff at River Ridge Home who loved Shirley as their own Mom.

Shirley and Hubert met in Springdale in 1954 and married in 1956. Their love for each other was as passionate after 63 years as it was in 1954. They modelled for us love, passion, and forgiveness leaving us a beautiful family legacy.

Shirley worked as an administrator for the Unemployment insurance commission and AE Hickman in Corner Brook, NL in the early days of raising her family of 5 kids. She was the rock of the home providing amazing meals with aromas’ of freshly baked bread and Jigs dinner served with much joy and love and the occasional strong leadership command “you Kids better get in here right now suppers’ getting cold ”.

Shirley’s passion outside the home was family and friend time; dancing and singing at gatherings in the Cabin on the Indian River, Springdale, fishing and berry picking. There was never a bigger smile seen than when Shirley had her cooler full of partridge or blue berries or a large string of brook trout in her hand. She also enjoyed travel and seeing other cultures.

Those who knew Shirley will remember her for her infectious smile with a little glint and overwhelming joy, deep-rooted in her love for family and others and her quiet faith in Christ. She loved spreading joy and kindness, she had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on those who crossed her path.

Shirley will be dearly missed but will live on in all of us through her hugs, contagious smile, love for life and others. Remember and honour Shirley by giving a hug to someone today and put a smile on their face making this world a brighter place.

A Celebration of Life for Shirley and Hubert will be held in Springdale Newfoundland next summer, date and place to be determined, all welcome.

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