Obituary of Shirley Anne Thorne

Shirley Anne Thorne (Langille) was born in 1934 and died peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on August 15, 2023 in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

She grew up in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia in the Wentworth valley. At a young age she left home and went on to pursue a successful career in nursing. She graduated from the Moncton School of Nursing in 1956 winning 3 awards for her outstanding practical work, highest standing in theory and highest rating in recovery room work. Shirley’s class of ’56 lived by the motto “All that we give to the lives of others comes back to our own.” Her love of nursing never wavered and she went on to have a long-standing career as the head nurse on the paediatric ward of the Mississauga Hospital.

She married in 1958 and independently raised 3 daughters, Kelly (Lecours), Johna (Whitman) and Francy (Kralik). Shirley (Nanna/Nanny) is survived by her three daughters and 6 grandchildren. Shirley’s unconditional love of her grandchildren showed through in how proud she was of all their accomplishments. Her involvement with them completed her circle of love.

Shirley had many favourite things to do that spoke to who she was. She loved to garden, nurturing her flowers always brought her joy. She was an avid reader, and had a great passion for music and figure skating. She loved to go on walks along the dingle, around the frog pond and along the Halifax waterfront. She would never say no to an outing and was always happy to spend time with those she loved.

Shirley’s compassion and kindness was a trait she consistently displayed in her nursing career, her volunteer work at the elementary school and to all those who crossed her path. She was always empathetic to those around her and even in times of pain and discomfort she was kind, thankful and respectful to those caring for her. In keeping with her wishes, Shirley’s ashes will be released in 3 different places meaningful to her.

 Forever in our hearts, once a nurse, always a nurse.

Donations may be made in memory of Shirley to The Parkinson Society

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