Obituary of Shirley Shaffner

Shaffner, Shirley Catherine, 75, of Annapolis Royal, passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Upper Granville, she was the youngest daughter of the late John and Una (Durling) Barteaux. She is survived by her husband, Douglas; daughters, Julie Nause (Allen), Bridgewater, Natalie, Bedford; son, Scott (Holly), Hammonds Plains; brothers, Andrew (Barbara), Mississauga; Raymond (Marjorie), Dartmouth; sisters, Muriel (Stanley) Godfrey, Bridgetown, Ruby Gillis, Halifax, Laura (John) Walker, Carleton Corner, Mary Moore, Annapolis Royal; grandchildren, Zachary Nause (Stephanie), Ottawa, Jillian Budgell (Alex), Ottawa, Sunny, Nagoya Japan and Benjamin, Hammonds Plains; great grandchildren, Chelsea Budgell and Ella Nause. Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Francis; sisters, Kay, Margaret and Millie. In 1971, Shirley became one of the first female officers of the Dartmouth Police Force, a position she held for 22 years, first in the Detective Division and later as Court Officer, where she developed a reputation for kindness and understanding in her relationships with young offenders and their families. Retiring to Annapolis Royal in 1993, Shirley became involved in many volunteer organizations, including the Community Health Centre Auxiliary, Historic Gardens and Meals-on-Wheels. She served a number of terms as president of St. Luke's Church Guild. An avid bridge player, gardener, interior decorator and cook. Shirley had a way of brightening every room she walked into. She was blessed with a wide circle of friends and cherished her time with them. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Thursday from 7 -9 pm in the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Annapolis Royal. Funeral service will be held Friday, July 20, 2012, at 11:00am from St. Luke's Anglican Church with Canon Ken Vaughan officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. A special thanks to the health care professionals in Annapolis Royal, Moncton and Halifax, especially Dr. Merriweather and the oncology staff at Valley Regional Hospital. The care provided by Palliative Care and the VON during her final days was exceptional. Family flowers only. Donations in Shirley's memory may be sent to the VON or the Annapolis Community Health Center, Annapolis Royal.