Obituary of Shirley Alma Bowen

Age 73, Spanish Ship Bay. With great sadness we announce the passing of Shirley A. Bowen on April 20, 2020. Born on July 4, 1946 Shirley was a daughter of the late Randal and Alma (Cameron) Matthews (of Urbania, Hants Co.). Shirley started a career in nursing that took her from Halifax to Ontario and back to Nova Scotia where she and her husband Ron settled in Spanish Ship Bay. Shirley followed her career in nursing at St. Mary's Hospital, went on to be the hospital administrator and returned to nursing part time after retirement. Shirley's strong presence will be missed by her husband of 54 years, Ronald Bowen; their daughters, Connie Reid (Darren), Shelley (John Baker) and Jolie Hodgson; Nannie's grandchildren, Erin, Drew, Casey, Bailey and Abby. She will be sadly missed by her sisters, Marjorie Mailman and Deborah Lutes (Angus McCulloch), and her brother, Ervin Matthews (Annette) as well as their family friend, Martina Renken and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by brothers, John, Scott and Graham. Shirley's life consisted of many priorities, the first being her family. She worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Sherbrooke for 42 years, was on the Guysborough Homemakers Board, and the hospital board always working toward the betterment of the communities which she so loved. She was awarded the Lieutenant Governor's award for volunteering. Shirley loved baseball and the Blue Jays were her team. She attended their games with her daughters and her sister and regaled anyone close by with the stats of the day. She played on the mixed softball team, helped bring a ballfield to the community and coached the younger teams. Shirley's life consisted of serving both young and old. She was a warrior for the teenagers, whether they needed a drive or a sleepover; a voice for the seniors and the patience for both that was overwhelming to all that came in contact with her. Shirley's outlook on her life as stated by her "I have a good life. I married the man I loved, I have a wonderful family, I had a dream job and did whatever I wanted with pleasure". Cremation has taken place under the compassionate care of D.S. Crowell & Son Funeral Home, Sheet Harbour. A Graveside Committal Service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Lukes Anglican Cemetery, for immediate family due to the health restrictions with Covid-19. Online condolences may be directed to: www.crowellsfuneralhome.ca and donations in Shirley's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.