It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Shirley Ellrina Maddison (nee Spence), age 91, Springhill NS. This beautiful angel left us Tuesday, November 14, 2023 surrounded by her family at High Crest Nursing Home.
Shirley was born on February 10, 1932, the eldest daughter of the late William (Bill) Spence and Gladys (Storey) Spence.
She met the love of her life Maynard Emmerson (Emmie) Maddison at the young age of 17 and they were married shortly after. They loved each other dearly, til death would do them part. Her love for Emmie never died. A testament of her strength and resilience, living the latter number of her years without him, she continued to live a life full of faith, gratitude and grace. There was never any doubt in her mind they would be together again some day.
The two started their family in 1951 with the birth of their first child. It was then that Shirley found her true and natural calling. She was born to be a mother. Her love and support for her children knew no bounds. She was their biggest advocate and defender. She was their rock. Her family was her heart and she was incredibly proud of all of her children.
Shirley had a fierce love of life and countless interests. As caring for others came so naturally to her, she earned both a practical nursing and early childhood educator certificate. Her love of and passion for music was evident wherever she was, as music was really in her soul. A beautiful piano player and singer, she was invited to be a member of the Fun Tones singing group which brought her great joy and friendships. Her love of music spilled over into the poetry she wrote. She was a published writer, writing a number of children’s books and a weekly article in the Grapevine for several years. She also loved fashion and style, socializing and travelling. One of her absolute favourite things to do was to spend time with her family at their cottage in Port Howe.
Her inner beauty was as stunning as her outer beauty. A devout Christian, she led a life of kindness and humility. Her faith was her guiding light and unwavering source of strength. She gave glory and praise to God every day. She gave her life to God. Shirley practiced what she preached in true Christian character.
Left to mourn are daughter Kathryn (David Livingstone); sons Monty and Kim (Arlene). She is survived by seven grandchildren Tammi Solecki (Dana) of Quesnel, BC; Marty Hunter (David) of Surrey, BC; Tara Maddison of Amherst, NS; Stephanie Maddison of Springhill, NS; Emmie, Sam and Eve Maddison of Amherst, NS. She will also be dearly missed by seven great grandchildren, Allie, Hayden, Lidia, Julien, Adrien, Keiara and Haven. She is also survived by two sisters Marilyn Thompson of Amherst, NS and Heather (Paulette) Black(Doug Hyatt) of Springhill, NS.
She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Emmie of 52 years, her eldest loving daughter Karen Hunter, Karen’s husband Richard (Dick) Hunter; daughter in law Heather, brother in laws Ronald Thompson, George Black, William Blenkhorn, Bickford Campbell, Bennie Miller, Jimmy Maddison, Kenny Smith, Kenny Maddison, sister in laws Jenny Blenkhorn, Greta Campbell, Martha Miller, Helen Paisley Maddison, Toots Smith, Rena Maddison as well as several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are under the care of AH Brown Funeral Home, 5 MacFarlane Street, Springhill NS (902-597-2361) where a funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 2pm with Pastor Jodi Getson presiding. Burial will take place in the spring at the Hillside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Springhill Food Bank or charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff for the wonderful care over the years at High Crest Nursing Home. Special thank you to Palliative Care staff, Specialized health Care nurses, Dr. Sauveur and all others adding to mom’s comfort during her final days, for their care and kindness.
Sharing of condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A H Brown Funeral Home Facebook Page.