September 29, 1923 ~ June 27, 2015

Our dear, sweet mum and grandmother, Shirley, passed peacefully into the arms of her beloved Michael on a beautiful summer morning. She lived her life with grace and dignity, always thinking of others and putting her family first. She was gentle and strong, quietly so, and our constant inspiration. We love her and miss her very much.

Shirley was born in Nelson, BC to Gordon and Enid Beeston. With her family, she moved to the coast, settling in the Fernwood neighbourhood of Victoria in 1936. She was an exemplary student at Vic High, a prefect and on the honour roll, but known to her classmates for “her swell red hair and her sparkling personality”. Upon graduation, Shirley worked in Victoria at the Royal Bank and the CPR telegraph office. 

Meeting Michael, who was from Manitoba but stationed in Victoria with the Navy, led to their 61 year marriage in 1943. Together they lived in Shelburne, Nova Scotia and Transcona, Manitoba, moving west after the war to settle in North Saanich. Their family grew to include Michael, Leslie, Susan and Lisa. In 1961, the Litwins moved to Victoria where Shirley has resided happily since.

Shirley volunteered at Sansbury School on the PTA, with Boy Scouts, and as a Sidney Kinette. In Victoria, she was an enthusiastic participant at the Y with Archie’s Ladies, on the executive of the Victoria Canadian Club, in activities at Monterey Centre and the Victoria Golf Club. She enjoyed her ladies bridge group, which was comprised of her close friends. Shirley and Michael took to travelling, making many trips throughout Canada, to Maui and Mexico, as well as exploring further with adventures to the Caribbean, Alaska, United Kingdom, Russia and South Africa.

Shirley was very close to her siblings Monica Letica, Elaine Orkney, and Leslie Beeston, all of whom have predeceased her. Some of her happiest moments were in their company.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Michael in 2004 and her son Leslie in 2002. She is survived by her son Michael (Grania) and daughters Susan (Kent Harris) and Lisa (Rick Nicholson), and by her grandchildren and great-granddaughters: Val Litwin; Mark, Stephanie and Isabella Litwin; Leslie Litwin; Lance Litwin; Lauren Garvey and Bridget Dallison; Kevin Garvey (Ashlee Brennan). She is remembered fondly by her niece, nephews and cousins. 

The family would like to acknowledge the excellent and compassionate care provided to Shirley at her residence, Sunrise Senior Living, and by Dr. Ted Rosenberg.

A celebration of life for Shirley will be held on Sunday, July 19 at 11 a.m. at the Victoria Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, support of Victoria Hospice would be appreciated.

Say not in grief that she is no more

 but say in thankfulness that she was

         A death is not the extinguishing of a light,

                                           but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.

                                                                                               R. Tagore

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

  • Jo-Marie Naysmith

    Dear Susan:
    I will always be thankful to your wonderful mother and father for opening their home to me when our family was in crisis. It was such a generous compassionate gift; a real reflection of their kindness.
    What a long fulfilling life your mother led and how lucky to have spent so much time with her. You will miss her dearly.
    xo Jo-Marie

  • Steve and Donna Skrynyk

    It was with much sadness the Skrynyk family from Winnipeg received the news of Shirley’s passing. Our families are
    wonderfully connected in that my mother and Michael were close cousins, but our family visits to Victoria and subsequent visits of Michael Sr. and Shirley and also Michael and Shirley to Winnipeg leave us with lasting memories. Our sincere condolences go out to the entire family. God bless you all.

  • Donna and Bill Johnson

    Grania and Michael,
    We send our sincere condolences on the passing of Michaels’s mom. She lived to an amazing age and from her obit we see that she had a wonderful life. May you both find peace in the good memories you have of your time with her.
    Donna and Bill

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