Friday, August 18, 2023
I remember Shirley as my mother in law for over 20 years. She taught me a lot about cooking and canning from the garden. Some of those beautiful and cherished techniques were also from her mother, Vera Purcell and she lived to 103. Bless both Shirley and Vera. I remember Shirley always had to wash all the walls in their home every spring, floors done to a brilliant shine, all canning done by each fall and fruit cellar loaded with all those homemade jars of tomatoes, chille sauce, pickles… she made it all! And their freezer all loaded with cuts of quality beef. And her baking was delicious. I still to this day, make Shirley and Vera’s recipes! Such a great influence for me, as a young woman. I will never forget those special years with my mother in law, Shirley. She was strong, ambitious, took amazing care of her husband, her family. Shirley had deep values as a person, a woman and a beautiful mother. She did her best in life, always. She will be missed and always remembered by me. I reflect on those special years, they were a part of me as a young woman. I always enjoyed my time with Shirley and of course, Earl. The cooking together, the canning every year, the baking, the special occasions, the exchange of love, her dedication as a loving mother and grandmother to my children. Thank you Shirley… everything you did for me, for us, has always been cherished by me. May you RIP eternally. Be with our Dale Brendan, as after 37 years, you may now be together. Love to you and Earl and your family. ❤️ Deborah Sheehan
