Shirley Ella (Munroe) Donaldson, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 in Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born April 6th, 1940, and raised at The Falls, Nova Scotia, Shirley was the daughter of the late John Alexander Munroe and Margaret Ella (Rushton) Munroe.

In her teenage years she had a pony which she enjoyed grooming and riding. She was the youngest of seven children and was often a tag-along with her brothers Lloyd and John when they went fishing and hunting. Shirley attended TRHS in Tatamagouche and graduated with the Commercial Course. She moved to Halifax and worked at the Nova Scotia Taxation Office. On May 20th, 1961 Shirley married Gordon and worked for Bill Nelson at the law office in Tatamagouche. In 1964 with a growing family, she became a full-time mom.

Shirley was well-known for her skills in the kitchen. If you were ever fortunate enough to be invited to her home for a meal, it was an experience you would never forget. Over the years, Shirley and Gordon opened their doors to many, offering an abundance of delicious food, warm conversation and heartfelt hospitality. It was impressive how effortlessly she prepared meals for such large gatherings.

She was equally talented with her knitting needles and crochet hooks, creating beautiful afghans, blankets, sweaters, socks and countless handmade treasures for those she loved.

Family meant everything to Shirley. She made a concerted effort to gather everyone together for every occasion including the numerous birthdays, making everyone feel special. To her children's spouses she was a dream mother-in-law and to her grandchildren, a doting grandmother. She faithfully stayed connected with an extensive list of people by phone, including her niece, Mary-Lou and life-long friend Carol Hansen. In recent years, she also enjoyed special visits with her niece, Cathy Ross.

Shirley also had a soft spot for animals, showing them the same kindness and tenderness she extended to everyone around her. Her beloved dog, Shyla, left an indelible mark on her heart.

Shirley is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Gordon; children, Nancy Drysdale (Ira), Phillip, Robert (Sandra), Dianne Buckler (Scott), David (Amy); grandchildren, John Gordon (Shadia), Christena (Travis), Kaleb, Seth, Sawyer, Eli and Scarlett; great grandchildren, Lennon, Aidan, Garret, Lyla and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by brothers, Harry, Lloyd, John and Harold; sisters, Muriel LeMasurier and Marion Weatherbie; and daughter-in-law and good friend, Charoline Canfield.

There will be a visitation at Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche on Wednesday, March 4th from 3:00-6:00 PM with burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willow Lodge Home for Special Care, Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital, The Falls Community Hall or a charity of one's choice.

With a gentle nature and a sharp mind right up until the end, Shirley's quiet strength and supportive presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.