Shirley was born during a snowstorm in Edmonton and for the first years lived in a suite in their grocery store with her parents and older sister. While a student, she was involved in the Girl Guides organization and was privileged to attend many camps in Canada, including Jasper. Returning home from one of those camps, she heard about job opportunities at Maligne Lake and in 1970 she secured a summer job working for Bill Ruddy. She returned the following summer and from then on, Jasper was her home. She honed her cooking and baking skills at Maligne, Marmot Basin, the Sky Tram restaurant, Scoops and Loops and Shirley’s Place at the Jasper Arena. She served countless meals and snacks to locals, sports camps, weddings, banquets, fundraisers, hockey and curling tournaments.
She was honored to be recognized in 2016 by the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce with the Award of Distinction for her years of dedication to the community. She was privileged to toast the Jasper High School graduates twice. She spoiled and supported the children of Jasper, they shared their dreams with her, they entertained her, and she set an example for them. One child said: “Shirley is a peacemaker because she is a very generous person. She helps the community make the world a better place.”
Shirley is survived by her sister Marilyn and Rick Willie, sister-in-law Leona Dorin; nephews and their families: Blair, Crystal, Olivia and Annika Willie; Keith, Kellie, Brooke and Mikah Willie; Garth, Cari Ann, Jhett and Ellie Dorin; and Carl, Janice, Reid and Walt Dorin; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and their families. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, Walter, Ethel and Gary Dorin.
The people of Jasper were her family. She warmly welcomed each new baby and was a friend and confidante to many. We thank all who shared their memories of how she impacted their lives. Special thanks to Pam Jeck, whose mother was Shirley’s Jasper mother, and to Carolyn Duchoslav and her family who included her in theirs. We also thank so many other members of the Jasper community who have been her support over the years. Heartfelt thanks to the medical team and staff at the Jasper Hospital and Alpine Summit who cared for her, especially in the last months. Rev. Bill Bulger of Grace Lutheran Church, Hinton will preside over a private graveside service.
In her memory, please consider a donation to a charity that supports children.
The Willies and Dorins