SMITH, Shirley Mae

Age 91, of Lockeport, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Roseway Hospital, Sandy Point. NS. Born in Lockeport, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Gladys (Fisher) Smith. After graduation from Lockeport High School, she attended Teachers` College, Truro. She received her BA (Sociology) from Carleton University, Ottawa. She also attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and studied French in La Clusaz, France. She began her teaching career in Lockeport and also spent several years in Bermuda, Yukon Territory and St. Anthony, NL. In 1957 she joined the Dept. of Northern Affairs and was among the first group of teachers to open schools on Baffin Island. She also spent a number of years in the DNR office, Ottawa, where she co-produced the “Let`s Begin English Program” for Northern Schools. In 1970, she was seconded to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and spent four years at the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), Nairobi as an Education Administrator. After her return to Canada she spent several years on First Nations Reserves as a school principal – Klemtu, B.C. and Wikwemikong, Ont. She completed 35 years with the Federal Government in Sudbury, Ont. Shirley is survived by sister, Helen Mackenzie, Kemptville, Ont.; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Grant) Ayo, Magnolia, Texas, Dr. James (Dr. Suzy) Dowell, Collegeville, PA, Charles (Leona), Calgary, AB., Carolyn (Paul) Thibodeau, St. John’s, NL, Wendy (Ed) Seysner, Kathy (Rob) Parent, Winnipeg and Deborah, Shelburne, N.S. She is also survived by several grandnieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by sister, Muriel Dowell; brothers, Raymond and Gordon; also by sisters-in-law; Lynda and Mary; brother-in-law, Wilfred Mackenzie and her niece, Kathryn Mackenzie Miehlich. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Huskilson’s Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lockeport. Cremation has taken place with private graveside burial in Osborne Cemetery with Pastor Tim Garren officiating. Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.huskilson.net