Arline “Shirley” Symington

Mrs. Arline “Shirley” Symington (nee Ricketts), age 76 years, passed away peacefully after a short and courageous battle with cancer on Friday, July 13, 2018 in St. Joseph's Hospice. 

 Shirley was born on May 15, 1942 in London, Ontario. She moved to Toronto to start her nursing career with the VON and it is there where she met husband Jim. They were married in 1968 and in 1976 she (reluctantly) relocated to Thunder Bay, but soon embraced her new community. 

Shirley was a Registered Nurse and worked in many positions from VON, teaching, and public health. She retired from the Thunder Bay District Health unit in 1993. She was a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross, and a long time member of Girl Guides of Canada, both locally and provincially. She enjoyed quilting and each new baby of family or friends received their own personalized quilt. Shirley was an avid gardener and her flower gardens were always well tended and beautiful. 

Her true passion was travel, she had visited over 75 countries and territories. She especially loved travelling on safari in Africa and visiting the sea bird and penguin colonies in Antarctica. 

A loving and proud Grandmother, Shirley was her two granddaughters’ number one fan at any school or sporting event. She shared her love of travel by taking the girls to many new and exciting places. 

Shirley was known for her sense of humour and caring and helpful nature. She was always willing to spend time with those in need and was a friend and mentor to many. She will be missed by all who knew her. 

Survived by her loving husband, Jim; children Craig (Jill) and Sarah; grandchildren Courtney and Dana and brother Jack Ricketts.

Predeceased by her parents, Syd and Esther Ricketts. 

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Shirley Symington will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 in Our Savour's Lutheran Church with Pastor Matthew Diegel officiating. 

Arrangements in care of the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma. 

 If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay.