November 15, 1935 – August 18, 2014
CROZIER, SHIRLEY ELIZABETH
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend to many, Shirley (Rutter) Hirst Crozier. Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Clare Crozier, daughter’s Jennifer Hirst of Dundas; Catharine (Bruce) Macartney of West Vancouver and son Matthew (Lorraine) Hirst of Brantford; grandchildren Hanna and Keenan Macartney; David, Ben (Desiree); Anna; Lucas; Abigail & Levi Hirst; Carrie (Nick) Coty and James Hirst; great grandson Tyler Hirst, brother David (Pamela) Rutter of Ancaster and family in Toronto, New York, Florida and England.
Born in Cobourg, Ontario Shirley was the daughter of the late Florence Hill and Jack Rutter. During her student days Shirley was a member of the Canadian Naval Reserve and for a time served on the Canadian aircraft carrier, HMS Bonaventure. Shirley was a graduate of Hamilton’s St. Joseph School of Nursing class of 1958.
As a dedicated, caring and highly skilled health professional Shirley worked in the Emergency Department at St. Joseph Hospital; in the community with family physician Dr. Vincent Rudnick, and since 1972 as a nurse practitioner at the McMaster University Medical Centre. In 1980 Shirley was appointed an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine . Patients often referred to her as Dr. Shirley.
Shirley’s career exemplified her many good qualities, particularly her love of learning and generosity of spirit. It can best be described as one in which her advise was always sought and respected. As a woman of great conviction, independence and achievement she was devoted to her work, which she truly enjoyed, and to her family, which was her primary focus.
An active and engaged volunteer at St. Paul’s United Church, Dundas and the Dundas Museum & Archives, Shirley was a skilled homemaker and gracious hostess, accomplished award winning gardener; craftier, golf enthusiast, family historian and genealogist. Shirley & Clare enjoyed their many travels: from coast to coast in Canada, Hilton Head Island, Great Britain; the south of France, New Zealand and Australia.
The family would like to thank the Rev. Rick Spies, Rev. Stan Wootton, Dr. Leber (oncologist); Dr. Bates (thrombo clinic), Dr. Mulji (cardiologist), staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Shirley’s medical colleagues, and our many friends for their compassionate care and support.
Friends will be received by the family on Thursday afternoon and evening from 2-4 & 7-9 at the Cattel, Eaton & Chambers Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will take place at St. Paul’s United Church, Dundas on Friday, August 22nd at 1:00 p.m. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Juravinski Cancer Centre, St. Paul’s United Church or the Dundas Museum & Archives would be greatly appreciated by the family.
‘Nurse Shirley’ was our beloved nurse practitioner ever since my children were born. We rarely needed to see a doctor on our visits, she was that capable! Doctor Shirley, indeed! After she retired we were fortunate to call her our friend. We loved her so much and we will miss her dearly. We are thinking of you, Clare.
Andie, Steve, Chris, and Jenny(Pepper) Parton
So glad I saw Shirley at the St. Joe’s Alumnae luncheon in May. She looked great but I knew all was not well. Loved her. Blessings, Barb
On the day Clare and Shirley reconnected we felt we won the lottery.
Dear Shirley, we admired you then and ever since, and especially throughout the ordeal of your
illness which you bore with such dignity and courage. You are one lovely woman.
And now…
“…He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand…”
With love,
Bette Anne and John
Dear Shirley,
The next time we see a rainbow we will know where you are.
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow, why then, oh why can’t I?
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow, why then, oh why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?
Condolences from Bonnie and Harry Lennard. Shirley was a gifted lady and successful in all activities in which she participated, particularly with Clare in the Dundas Museum & Archives.
Re-connecting with our cousin Shirley was a wonderful time for us. We talked and shared pictures and memories of summer days at Rice Lake. Shirley was a beautiful as I remembered her as a teenager.
I am very thankful for the time I had with Shirley and Clare and will keep her in my heart forever.
With love and sadness,
s
Susan
Shirley and I were childhood friends since she first moved to Dundas and our friendship has endured for all those years.I am so glad that I was able to see her a few weeks ago. Thanks to Clare for being such a kind and devoted husband. My friend, you will be missed by so many.
Such wonderful memories while travelling last year to Newfoundland with you both.
My sisters, Liz & Pat & my Aunt Pat share in condolences to you, Clare.
Our Heartfelt condolences to the Crozier family. We will miss Shirley’s Beautiful face and smile. Always thoughtful and kind. May you find comfort in your treasured memories.
Our condolences to Clare and the family. Shirley was a wonderful friend and colleague. She was always there to help and was so generous of heart. Everytime we will think of her, we will see her smiling and hear that laughter. She was one special lady and will be so missed!
Our condolences to Clare and the family. Shirley was a wonderful friend and colleague. She was always there to help and was exremely generous. Every time we will think of her, we will see that smile and hear her laughter. What a great memory! She will be so missed.
Be at peace Shirley. The suffering has ended.
Johanne & Lance
Claire so sorry to read about Shirley. My condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely
Murray Halpren
Aunt Shirley will be missed. Life is short and has many twists and turns. We have had many years of family dinners, pool parties and special functions. I have many happy memories of these times.
We will remember Shirley for so many fine attributes. She brought smiles and joy to our gatherings. The energy and spirit she and Clare exhibited was infectious. So it is with sadness that we see her leave us and gladness with all that she left us. We will miss her.
I am quite saddened by the death of my dear nurse Shirley Hirst. My family and I were very fortunate to have her as Dr. Rudnick’s nurse. They were a respectable team of caregivers. She was a dedicated nurse and I always valued her sage advice. I looked forward to consulting her before seeing my doctor. I will continue to cherish my memory of a very thoughtful and professional person who warmly welcomed me with a smile and a glint of trust in her eyes. My condolences to her family. You have been blessed to have such a caring woman in your lives.
With very fond memories,
The Tucker family
Our thoughts are with Clare and our prayers are with Shirley. She was forever contributing and enriching the lives of her family, friends, community and her patients.
Marilyn and I really enjoyed our visit with you and Shirley just a couple of weeks ago. I feel very privileged to have known her. She was so very easy to talk to and always had interesting things to add to the conversation. When Mom and Dad lived in your basement apartment on Melville, they always talked very highly of Shirley. She was so very brave during her illness and somehow maintained such a positive and refreshing outlook on life. She never let you really believe that she was sick because she was so very alive right to the end. Our condolences to you, Clare and to all the rest of the family. She will be greatly missed.
Love Pat xxoo
Condolences to the family.
Shirley may you rest in peace with the lord.
We recall vividly Shirley’s strong presence and her grace. We first met her when she attended the 80th birthday of Vera Hardy, a fellow volunteer at the Dundas Museum, and a friend. She was clearly most remarkable in her energy and dedication to the welfare and betterment of others. Her conversation was inspiring.
Our thoughts are with you, Clare, and with your family, at your sad loss.
Susan, Graham.
We join you in your sadness. Somehow a world without Shirley in it to care and shine will seem incomplete and unnourished. Times spent with you both have always been invigorating.
During my teenage years she was “Matt’s Mom”, giving good advice always so supportive….driving us everywhere in an old Pinto wagon! We lost touch once I went to University but when Drew was born, full of thrush and colic, it was Dr. Shirley to the rescue. Farewell to a woman I deeply admired, and to Matt, Jennifer and family, my sincere sympathies.
A leading lady has been lost to this world. It was our privilege to know Shirley over a few years since our move to Dundas and our lives are richer for it. So glad we had the opportunity to chat at the Lobsterfest recently. Our sincere condolences to Clare and the family. May you find comfort in the happy memories you have from your time together.
You are in our thoughts.
June & Ivor Lynch
Clare and Family
Please accept our sincere condolences you are in our thoughts and prayers
at this time. God bless you all.
Jack & Mary Ann Graham
Dear Clare..our most sincere condolences to you on the loss of your dear wife Shirley. She always had a smile and a kind word, and we know she will be deeply missed. Sincerely,
Brian and Rashne
I remember Shirley as a top notch nurse practitioner in our family practice unit at McMaster.
Her colleagues respected her The patients trusted her. The learners appreciated her wisdom
and experience.
My condolences to the family.
Doug Wilson
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your beautiful wife, Shirley.
Shirley was such a gracious hostess at our 50th reunion held at your lovely home in Dundas. We admire the wonderful garden that you had and still look at the many pictures that we took.
With fondest memories
Vera & Basil Gregorovich
Sending heartfelt condolences to Clare and all the family members and friends that knew and loved Shirley.Shirley was good friends with my sister Liz Latimer and her husband,Wim.At many annual Christmas parties at Liz and Wim’s,I became acquainted with Shirley.She had a very welcoming,friendly and gracious nature.Many,including me, will remember Shirley for her truly courageous,optimistic and gracious attitude throughout her lengthy illness.You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this season of Christmas.Take Care and God bless you.
Clare, I’m so sorry to read about Shirley, I just did a search for you to print your accomplishments and saw the posting. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family.