Obituary of Shirley Elizabeth CARLYON, (nee McCormick)

September 17, 1935 – Calgary, Alberta

February 26, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Shirley Elizabeth Carlyon beloved wife of the late Henry Raymond Carlyon, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the young age of 84 years

Born in Calgary on September 17, 1935, Shirley grew up in East Calgary and graduated from Western Canada High School on 17 Ave SW.  Shortly after her graduation, she met and fell in love with a handsome, wily Canadian sailor, Henry Raymond Carlyon, who she met by chance meeting at a social gathering in Calgary.  A nostalgic Canadian naval love story enfolded: They married on April 7, 1955 shortly after which Shirley was whisked off to the West coast to start her much anticipated naval adventure.  Navy life took the couple on countless adventures and memories from Canada’s West to East coasts, often regaled during family gatherings.  These travels resulted in the expansion of their family, from the eldest Ray (Victoria), then Bob (Halifax) and back to Calgary (permanently entrenching her place in heaven) with the birth of their third son Scott, as well as countless furry companions.  Shirley and Ray set up permanent residence on Button Rd, NW Calgary until her passing. Her pride and joy was her Red Brick House and her family.

Incapable of giving Shirley full justice in an obituary, she will however be lovingly remembered for much including her handcrafted knitted sweaters, crocheted doilies, love of Gardening, her infamous Scottish tongue-in-cheek humour, as well as her love and infinity for those most vulnerable…those that are four-legged and furry!  All family pets experienced a Nana-vacay and her boundless treats!  Her own sweet tooth undeniable, she fully embraced the motto ‘Eat Dessert First’ and was renowned for catering to the individual sweet tooth of each family member when making her delicious homemade pies, batches of pickles, cookies and preserves.

On Calgary Games nights, one was sure to find Shirley in her back room happily knitting or crocheting, but always ready for a spirited conversation defending her ‘boys’!  A defense normally reserved for her sons, but in this case, for her provincial heroes.  Shirley was a ‘dyed in the wool’ Calgary sports fan, particularly for the Calgary Stampeders who could do no wrong.  Normally a vision of a typical little grandmother, Shirley was all fighting spirit when defending her Stampeders; and could definitely give any sports writer a run for their money when it came to Stampeder stats. Her dedication could be so intense that the family decided it was best for her to use the radio vice the television for enjoying her Stampeder games as it was more calming…for both her and those around her!

A proud Calgarian, she took her role seriously, convincing all others there was no other place better on God’s green earth than Calgary (of course rooting for the Stampeders)!  She enjoyed traveling when able, but she was sure to always come back to Calgary as her final resting place where she could eventually be laid to rest with her husband Ray at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

She is survived by her three sons, Ray (Claire), Bob (Rad) and Scott (Mary); five grandchildren, Sarah, Jeff (Tamara), Lesley, Brittany (Max) and Rama; and three great grandchildren, Annie, Eamonn, and Bobby.

Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband Henry Raymond Carlyon (1994); and her parents, Mary Brown (1994) and John McCormick (1965).

Although the family’s aim was to have her officially reunited with her beloved on the 7th of April, 2020 (what would be their 65th wedding anniversary), due to circumstances, the family will hold Shirley’s ‘Celebration of Life’ in September 2020. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Shirley’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Shirley Carlyon, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,  Telephone: 403-241-0044.