Shirley Mae (Morrisey) Roode – 69, Belmont. It is with broken hearts that the family of Shirley Roode announce her passing on Monday, May 30, 2016 at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, (CEHHC), after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Truro, she was the daughter of the late Charles Alonzo Morrisey and Pearl Edwina (Rumsey) Morrisey.
She was the beloved wife and best friend of James Roode for 49 years, and loving sister to siblings, Blanche Priest, Pearl (Charles) Priest, Phyllis Harvey, Donna (Clint) Jamieson, Kathy (Harvey) Veniott, Lori Jean, Charles, Kenneth (Valerie) and Karl. She was a doting Aunt to Michele (Blair), Ashley (Matt), Krista-Leigh (Brad), Shelly (Parker), Kim (Cody), Amanda (Glenn), and Christopher (Jodi); Great Aunt to Brandon, Maddy, Harrison, Mya, Sofi, Katherine, Harland, Heath, Morgan, Emily and Victoria.
Shirley was previously employed by Sun Alliance of Canada for eight years, prior to becoming a loyal and dedicated employee of the RCMP Truro Sub-Division as an Administrative Assistant for 32 years. She was a life-time member of the RCMP Veteran’s Association and member of Colchester Regional Hospital Auxiliary. After her retirement in 2004, she volunteered her time at the CEHHC where she spent many hours managing the Gift Shop and raising funds for the Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed her buying trips with her co-workers purchasing a variety of merchandise to display in the Shop. As well, she assumed the role of coordinator of the Corridor Gallery located in the CEHHC to promote the local artists. She loved her garden and chose the most colourful plants to enhance her home and cottage.
Shirley was a cottage dweller and spent many weekends and summers at her cottage on the North Shore with Jim and her furry companions, Punky and Connor. Her passion at the shore was playing North Shore Bridge with her neighbours into the late evening hours listening to anecdotes and the laughter they created. She hosted and participated in the famous yearly Labour Day Horseshoe Tournament; she was most proud when her team walked away with the first place trophy. She enjoyed hosting events at the cottage for her family and friends and always referred to her cottage neighbours as her extended family. Shirley was supportive of her siblings and enjoyed many family gatherings where she prepared delicious meals and made holidays special. She was well known for her fabulous turkey dinners and pots of delicious seafood chowder. She touched many lives and will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.
Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Eldon Priest. Special thanks to the doctors and staff of E Wing at the CEHHC for the comfort and care they provided to her, and special friends, Brenda Whittle and Joan Weatherby, for their compassion and support during this difficult time.
In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation and a private family graveside committal service will be held in Belmont Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Belmont Cemetery Corporation, Colchester East Hants Hospice Society or Colchester Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Shirley’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
