Shirley Wassenaar of Murillo was called home by the Lord in hospital this Thursday December 28th, 2017 while surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born in Campbellford, ON on Nov 30, 1948 to parents Leo and Bonnie Hovius. Shirley spent her younger years in the Brampton area before moving to Listowel for her teenage years where she completed high school and entered the work force.
In 1972, along with her cousin Kay Hovius, Shirley sought adventure and found her future here in Thunder Bay, his name was John. They met in 1973, were married in 1974 and began their family in 1975. Shirley was a Bookkeeper, she worked at Gwell Investments until taking time away to raise her children. She worked part time at Thunder Bay Meat Processing Plant until all the kids were grown.
Shirley started at BDO Dunwoody in 2000 where she worked until her retirement in 2013. Throughout her life Shirley was very actively involved in her Church, working with the youth groups, Teaching Sunday School, serving on different committees and as Treasurer for the Dutch Burial Society for numerous years.
Shirley will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 43 years John, son David (Vicki) of Thunder Bay, son Richard (Kerry) of Ottawa, son James of Calgary and daughter Barbara of Ottawa and grandchildren Taylor, Isaac and Heidi. She is also survived by her parents, sister Pat (Murray) of Harriston, Jack (Anna) of Listowel and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends throughout Canada and the Netherlands.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 11:00am in the United Reformed Church of Thunder Bay, with Rev. Ancel Merwin officiating. Interment will follow in Stanley Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, evening, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the United Reform Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Program would be greatly appreciated.
