Muriel “Shirley” Caldwell (nee Ferguson)
1927-2001
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife and mother on December 21, 2001 at the Victoria General Hospital. After a valiant struggle with a lengthy illness, Mom left us at age 74 to be with the Lord.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Everett and Myrtie Ferguson; sisters, Joyce and Lorna; and brother Robert. Se leaves to mourn her passing her dear husband James Caldwell; son David (Dorothy); son Thomas; and daughter Mary Beth (Brian) Erickson. Mom will be greatly missed by her precious grandchildren, grandsons, Shawn (Donna), and Jamie (Jamie-Lee) Martin; granddaughters, Victoria, Genevieve, and Allison Caldwell; and great-grandson Hunter Martin. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Esther Johnson, Dorothy Young, and Marion (Manse) Martin; and many nephews and nieces of whom she was very fond.
Mom was born April 13, 1927 in Charlottetown, PEI. She spent her childhood years there and in New Glasgow, PEI. Mom and Dad were married in Port Arthur, ON in 1947, and celebrated 54 years of marriage on September 12 of this year. Mom greatly enjoyed her role of homemaker over the years. She excelled in baking, putting up preserves, knitting and needlepoint. She was also an accomplished pianist. She enjoyed camping and bowling while her health permitted. She was a proud member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion No. 1, recently being awarded her thirty year pin.
Mom especially cherished her time spent with all her grandchildren who affectionately nicknamed her “Bonnie”. She spent many happy hours with them when they were little, and to the end of her life continued to show the greatest concern for their happiness and well being. Mom was a generous soul, with a kind and thoughtful heart. Although she suffered hardships throughout her life, she faced them with courage, and endured them with patience and very little complaint. She has left us with the comforting memories of the many special things she did for us.
Cremation has taken place. Mom requested that there be no memorial service. It was instead her wish that family come together in a private gathering to remember and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made honouring Shirley, to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, R3A 1P6.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Taraska and the staff of the 5th Floor North for their excellent care of Bonnie.
Mom, we know you are flying high with the eagles now; safe in the loving arms of Jesus, and finally free of all pain and suffering. Although our hearts are full of sorrow, we rejoice in the promise of the Lord, that one day we will all be together again.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
The courage to change the things I can.
And the wisdom to know the difference.
-Serenity Prayer