Obituary of Shirley Anne Courtice

Courtice: Shirley Anne (nee Needham), A resident of Chatham, Shirley Courtice passed away after a brief illness at the Chatham-Kent Health-Alliance, Chatham Campus on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at the age of 74. Born in Chatham, daughter of the late Oswell and Gertrude (Inch) Needham. Loving wife and best friend for nearly 50 years to Noel Courtice. Dear mother of Douglas and Jennifer Courtice of Chatham, Heather and Terry Coleman of Mississauga. Proud grandmother to Erin and Jacqueline Courtice; Trevor, Rowan and Devon Swann; Matthew Coleman and Sarah Coleman. Shirley is survived by, and will be dearly missed by her sister Lorraine (Dick) Huffman of London; her sisters-in-law Bonnie Mooder (Bob) of London, Elaine Butler (Jim) of Onanole, MB, and Eunice Courtice of Medicine Hat, AB. Also survived many nieces and nephews .Predeceased by her brother Art Needham and brother-in-law James Courtice. Shirley was a former school teacher before dedicating her life to raising her family. Shirley was an active member of Sprucedale United Church in Chatham where she sang in the choir. She was a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International. She was a former member of the Chatham Granite Club, an avid golfer and a former member of the Maple City Country Club. Shirley had a passion for music, not only singing in the choir at Sprucedale, she was a charter member of the Sweet Adeline’s. Shirley’s memory will live on in the many lives she has touched and the many good deeds she has done for her family and community. Shirley believed in the value of volunteerism. It is evident in her support of numerous organizations in Chatham over the years including Meals on Wheels. Shirley loved life and the gift of laughter which she shared with family and friends. Shirley’s family will also forever remember her for her love of travelling the world and boating in the Great Lakes. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St. Chatham on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at Sprucedale United Church, 493 Victoria Ave. Chatham on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Pat Milliken officiating. Cremation to follow. Memorial donations to honour Shirley’s life can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Sprucedale United Church Memorial Fund and would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, Ontario. (519)351-2040