Obituary of Emma Shirley Decaire

EMMA SHIRLEY DECAIRE

November 20, 1930 – April 19, 2019

Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, to Peter Bishop of Wesleyville, and Miriam (Baggs) of Broad Cove, Newfoundland. 

Married for 59 years to Daniel Maurice Decaire, her life-long love, who predeceased her December, 2017.

She is survived by her sisters Margaret Debenham, Marie LeBlanc, and her brother Donald Bishop, as well as many much loved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Joyce Stanford, and brothers, George Bishop and Eric Bishop.

Shirley met Danny in Kingston, then moved to Montreal where they married and lived, before moving to Hamilton and on to Toronto.  For many years Shirley worked in the law firm of Halinka in Toronto.  After retirement she and Danny moved to Beamsville, Ontario.

Shirley and Danny spent happy months each year at the home, they shared with brother Eric and sister-in-law Elizabeth, in Grenada, West Indies.

They also loved their numerous years enjoying their cottage on Lake Erie.

They travelled the world together, often with friends and family.

Shirley loved people and had a resilient community commitment. Active in the Trinity United Church, Beamsville, Habitat for Humanity, as well as many other community involvements.  Dedicated to active political commitment, she was always trying to find how to make our lives better.

Shirley joined the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in 1996, she was a life member working in all areas and the office.  She was also on the fundraising committee.  Shirley won many awards with the Auxiliary including an outstanding award, and in 2016 she had an award for 3,500 hours. She was a very loyal, much loved person and will be dearly missed.

She supported and was an incredible volunteer in the Resource Centre where she skillfully worked in the office, but there was nothing she couldn't do. She could step into any situation and absolutely be counted on to do the right thing. She had an inner sense of what was needed in any situation. She would meet with clients while they were waiting to see a counsellor or make tea or coffee.

Shirley was the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in her being, kindness in her eyes, kindness in her smile, and kindness in her warm greeting.

Please join us in celebrating her life,  1:00 pm, Monday, May 13, 2019, at Trinity United Church,  Beamsville, Ontario. 

Donations can be made to Heart and Stroke, or West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.