April 21, 1928 - January 11, 2025

In loving memory ~

Shirley Leola, age 96 of Courtenay, passed away peacefully at the Aitken House Hospice, Courtenay on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Shirley was born on April 21, 1928 to Gertrude Lenora Smith and William Edmund Baynes in Matsqui B.C. After graduating from Normal School at 18 years of age, she began teaching in Golden, B.C. with a class of 35 students Grades 1 - 7. Shirley went on to teach kindergarten and the primary grades for over forty years.

Shirley is the much-loved mother of four children (Susan Chief, Erik Nieuwejaar, Ula Nieuwejaar and Mark Nieuwejaar) and grandmother to numerous grandchildren of whom all have a favourite name for her. Grandma, (Don Robinson, Seth & Devin Chief), Nana (Erica and Alexander Johansen), and Super-Nana (Noah and Kendra Nelson). A matriarch to the core and force to be reckoned with she will be deeply missed by her large family including daughter-in-laws, son-in-laws, and step-grandchildren. A long-time resident of Comox Valley, active member of St. George's United Church and community volunteer, her contributions to family and community life will be remembered. Shirley's tenacity, deep love, laughter and encouragement will leave a gap in both family and community life.

Shirley passed away peacefully in the Comox Valley Hospice. Her journey home was travelled as she lived, surrounded by her family and friends, a whisper of a grimace if we sang out of tune, a whisper of a smile if someone said something funny, moment to moment living out her motto "There is nothing more important than relationships!" Shirley will be greeted with great joy from the predeceased members of her family, Egil Nieuwejaar (beloved husband of over 50 years), Doreen (sister) Watson (brother) and Bruce (brother).

The family thanks the Comox Valley Hospice for every moment of tender, loving, care to Shirley and family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Comox Valley Hospice at https://comoxhospice.com/.

The memorial service is scheduled for: April 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at St. George's United Church, Courtenay