Obituary of Shirley Jean Pietersma

Shirley Jean Pietersma (née Bowering), a lifelong resident of Lambeth, Ontario, passed away on February 5, 2025, at Elgin Manor in St. Thomas, in her 89th year. After living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years, she is now at rest.

Shirley was born on March 2, 1936, to Gordon and Lillian Bowering. She married Richard Pietersma on June 7, 1958. Together, they raised three children: Toni, John, and Michael.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Richard; children Toni, John (Betty), and Michael; grandchildren Hayley (Brian), Taylor, Rachel (Georges), Marlee (Cory), Matthew (Breanna), and Karsten (Nicole); great-grandchildren Karter, Neely, William, Amalija, Naomi, Charlotte, Lillian, and Elio; and sisters Betty and Linda.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Lillian, and her brother, Gerald.

Shirley worked at the income tax office before starting her family, and then as a bookkeeper at Taylor Fence once her children were in school. Shirley enjoyed playing euchre weekly with neighbours. She was also an avid gardener, often visiting garden centers with her mother and sisters. Shirley loved to spend summers with family gathering by the pool.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Elgin Manor for their compassionate care and support.

A celebration of life and interment will be held in the spring.

Online condolences may be left at www.funeraloptions.ca. Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Humane Society (www.hslm.ca) or the Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimer.ca).