Obituary of Shirley Isabelle Marryatt

Marryatt, Shirley Isabelle- Age 81, of Halifax, passed away at the QEII Halifax Infirmary on April 2, 2015. Born in PictouCounty on March 26, 1934, Shirley was a daughter of the late Alvin and Sylvia (Cottie) Rankin.   Throughout her life, Shirley held many jobs, but found her calling when she was employed with the Halifax Welfare Rights office. There she could be the voice for those who did not have one. She was an advocate for the downtrodden and always voiced her opinion. This led to her nickname, "Social Shirley" that was coined by the many radio interviews she gave in the 1970s advocating social justice. Her hard work never went unnoticed as she received numerous awards from the city.   Shirley is survived by her brothers James (Mary) Rankin, Eureka, NS and  Gordon (Carol) Rankin, Grand Bay-Westfield, NB; grandchildren Quincey Herbert, Faythe Lohnes and Cynthia Lohnes (Clint); two great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, Regina Lohnes, all who will miss her dearly.   Shirley was predeceased by daughters Colleen Fenn and Joan Lohnes; her parents; siblings Joan, Donald and Roland; husband Frederick Marryatt; grandson Troy in infancy and special friend Elvin Rhoddy. The family would like to thank Melville Lodge for the care that Shirley received over the last few years and a special thank you to the nursing staff and doctors of section 8.3 of the Halifax Infirmary in her last days. Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., Halifax. Visitation and service to take place at a later date.