March 25,1927 – October 6, 2021
Shirley was born to Ella and Reg Clay in Red Deer, AB. She was raised in Medicine Hat and received her Registered Nurses Training at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton (class of 1949). In 1950 she moved to Brooks where she nursed in the General Hospital. While there she met and married her husband, Donald C. Green. They spent 3 years on Don’s family farm. Shirley, a city girl at heart, often remarked that love must be blind. That’s the only way she could have survived living without electricity or running water. But survive she did, in fact she thrived; learning to handwash/scrub or can/pickle anything, and to feed anyone who was around her table.
After repeated crop failures. Shirley and Don moved to Calgary where Don became a District Sales Manager with Massey Harris (MH). From Calgary they moved to Lethbridge. By now they had three children who kept their mother (an only child) on the run, often surprized and regularly entertained. A fourth child was born in Vancouver, where Shirley and Don relocated after Don became a Provincial Sales Manager with MH. Being a wife and mother nurtured the strong sense of humour that Shirley had through out her life. She carried this humour into many a difficult situation, easing the way for all involved.
In June of ’61 the family moved to Claresholm. Don had bought into a Massey Harris Dealership which later became TNT Equipment. Shirley resumed her nursing career in 1963 when she opened Arcadia, the infirmary unit at the Claresholm Care Centre. She remained at the Centre in various positions for 24 years including: Ward Charge on Arcadia, Acting Pharmacist, Occupational Health Nurse and Infection Control Nurse. In this final capacity, Shirley completed course work in the prevention and treatment of AIDS at the Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1986 she was one of four nurses, nominated by her peers for the Provincial Nurse of the Year award. This recognition was due in part to the medical protocols she implemented at the CARE centre to address the emerging AIDS epidemic.
Shirley retired in January of 1987. She loved golfing, travelling, and spending time with family and friends. An avid reader, its no surprise that she volunteered at the local library for over 20 years. When Shirley’s husband Don passed away in Nov. 2010, she moved into the Cottonwood Village. She enjoyed her time there immensely. She made many new friends and treasured the view of the hills from her apartment.
Shirley is lovingly remembered by her children and their families, Brian’s wife, Sheryl (Ryan (Jaime) & Stacy (Nick); Joanne (Quintin) Yardley, (Paul (Lynnea) & Sean); Warren (Jesse (Kristin) & Carson and their mother Penny Green; Lorraine’s children (Alix (Kurtis) & Dustin and their father Doug Nichols. Shirley was also proud to be the Great Grammy of seven. Shirley was predeceased by her daughter Lorraine, her husband Don and her son, Brian.
Due to current Covid restrictions a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jones, Carmen, Heather and all staff at the Claresholm General Hospital for the tender care Shirley received over the past several weeks. Also the family is deeply grateful to Penny Green who made sure, after Mom moved to the Village, that her clothes sparkled and her need for sweet treats was always satisfied.
Finally, Shirley loved all animals, but especially dogs and cats. Those wishing to honour her memory are encouraged to make a contribution to the CAReS Society, (Box 2579, 4110 – 3rd St. E., Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0).
“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.” – Erma Bombeck