Shirley Marie Dowding
January 22, 1937 to May 30, 2024
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Marie Dowding (nee Parsons) on May 30th, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home in St. John’s.
Predeceased by her beloved husband David (1970) ; brothers Clayton ( Bessie) , Clyde (Olive) and Gordon; sisters Dorothy Tucker, Louise Gill (Cater) ; sisters-in-law Annie Winters , Bernice Thorne (Jack) .
Leaving to mourn with heartfelt memories her son Terry and daughter Deborah McNamara (Brian); grandsons David Dowding (Tima) , Brent McNamara ( Julie) ; granddaughter Briana Hewitt (Joe) ; great-grandchildren Alex, Hailey and Cameron; sisters Marilyn Parsons ( Al) , Mildred McDonald; brother John (Sandra) ; sisters-in-law Maisie Hounsell (Sandy), Elva Collins (Claude) , Yvonne Gillard (Dave) and Judy Parsons; brother-in-law Harry (June) Winters and a large circle of nephews, nieces and friends.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Karwood Retirement Retreat for 4 years of excellent care and also the wonderful staff at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home.
Shirley was widowed in 1970 at an early age and uprooted to Mount Pearl with her 2 young children where she returned to school and eventually began a long career with Motor Vehicle Registration. Upon retirement she became a full-fledged snowbird where she enjoyed 20 sunny winters with her many friends. She enjoyed walking the beach and exercising daily and remained an active member of New World Fitness until her early ‘80s.
At Shirley’s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in late July in Mt. Pearl with interment the following day at the United Church Cemetery in Templeman, Bonavista Bay.
Sandy
our condolence on the loss of your sister.
John and Linda Adams
So Sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I was a co-worker of Shirley at Motor Registration for many years. Shirley was a fun loving lady who was always up for a good laugh. She will be sadly missed.
Deb (Brian) and family. Sending you our sincere condolences on the passing of your mom Shirley. May she rest in peace and peace to you also.
My sincere condolences to the family at this sad time.
I met Shirley last fall when Mom moved in across the hall. I do miss seeing her there.
After Shirley retired she would invite a few of us to her home on Osmond place for a Xmas lunch
Sending my deepest condolences to the family at this sad time. She was meek and mild, gentle and soft spoken. She loved her family dearly. I always enjoyed our visits and chats. Rest peacefully Shirley.
Krista (footcare nurse)
To Shirley’s family, my deepest condolences. Shirley was a lovely lady & a pleasure to work with. We had many fun times at Mother Registration. May Shirley RIP.
Deb, Brian, Briana, Brent and all extended family….our deepest condolences to you. Shirley was a beautiful lady and it was our privilege to have gotten to know her over the last few years. It was evident her family was the world to her, particularly her grandchildren and great grandkids as she would light up with love and pride at the very mention of them. I know Hailey and Cameron will miss visiting with Great Grandma on their trips to NL. Her presence no doubt will be immensely missed by you all but the many beautiful memories created over the years will help you through this difficult time and live forever in your hearts. Know that you all are very much in our thoughts at this time.
To Terry ,Debbie and all of Shirley’s family
Len and I send our sincere condolences. We were so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. Except for Mom, all of the Moms I knew while growing up in Templeman have gone. Not sure where the time went but I do know we had a wonderful childhood under the watchful eye of these Moms. Rest in peace, Shirley.
Deb, Brian, Brent and Brianna, I am so sorry about the passing of Shirley. Please accept my sincere condolences. I remember her as a sweet, gentle lady who loved a good laugh. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this challenging time.
Cathy Puddister
Debbie Terry and families So very sorry to hear of your Moms passing I have many fond memories of Shirley . May you all be joyous in knowing she is with Dave again in the afterlife after such a long time .
Deb: I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a beautiful lady who loved her family so much. Please accept my sincere sympathy to you, Terry and your families. Hugs – Aunt Marie
Deb and family. So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. Remember her well from the MRD days and at the many Christmas functions with you and Brian. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Debbie, Terry and family, please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your beautiful Mom.
We so enjoyed her pleasant smile and friendly conversations at New World Fitness, which was, of course, was followed by coffee at Tim’s.
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Peter and Janet
Condolences to Shirley s family on her passing.we met Shirley when we moved to osmond place 26 years ago,she was a friendly lady always with a smile.
Sincere Condolences.
Nephew James Gill
Sending our deepest sympathy Terry, Debbie and families.
“We do not have to rely on memories to recapture the spirit of those we have loved and lost – they live within our souls in some perfect sanctuary which even death cannot destroy.” Nan Witcomb.
Rest in Peace Aunt Shirley. xox
Deb, Brian, Terry and your families
So sorry to hear this news. She was a beautiful woman and always had a smile for “Mr. Murphy”. I know she had a wonderful and active life except for the past few years. I hope you can appreciate that you had a great part in making her life so enjoyable.. She certainly loved the youngsters and had a soft spot in her heart for Emily.. We will remember her always . May she rest in peace.
John, Maureen and Emily
Our deepest condolences to all of you. Aunt Shirley was a beautiful lady..xo
I loved Shirley with all my heart. Such a beautiful person inside and out.
I have many wonderful memories of her. James and Colin spent a lot of time around her growing up and have great memories too. They loved those caramel tarts she used to make at Christmas.
I loved visiting her at Karwood. She was a joy to be around.
Cherish your memories of all the wonderful years you had with such an amazing Mother and Grandmother.
Thinking of you all and sending our sincere condolences