Obituary of Shirley Olive Walker

July 27, 1926 - September 27, 2023

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Walker. She is survived by her sons, Frank (Susanna) and Mark (Terry); grandchildren, Nico, Sophia, and Danielle; and her niece Leslie. Her husband Derek of 48 years predeceased her in 2004. 

Shirley was raised in Parkside, Saskatchewan a town she referred to as, "a great place to grow up". She attended the University of Saskatchewan earning her degree in music. She continued her education in Saskatchewan articling in Prince Albert and Shellbrook to earn her Chartered Accountant designation in 1953. A dynamic pioneering lady she was the 10th woman CA in Saskatchewan and upon moving to Calgary in 1953 she was the first practising-woman CA in Alberta. In the mid 1970’s after dedicating time to her family, she returned to work at Smith, Matthews and Shannon and then commenced her own practice working until she retired at the age of 86. Shirley took great pride in her profession and in 2023 was recognized by CPA as a 70 year member. 

It was in Calgary that she met the love of her life Derek, who she wed in 1956 and they spent 48 wonderful years together. In 1958 Frank was born and three years later Mark joined the family. Shirley put her career on hold choosing to place her energy into her family creating a wonderful home for Derek and their boys. Always impeccably dressed she was a true lady. Shirley took amazing pride in her home and spent countless hours gardening, creating beautiful flower gardens. 

Derek and Shirley enjoyed entertaining their friends throughout the decades, ensuring wine glasses were full and the Best of Bridge entrees were perfectly timed. Sunday dinners were a weekly family tradition where stories and laughter were shared around the dining room table. Shirley’s interests outside of work included reading, playing her favorite songs on the piano, organizing a bridge club with Derek and their friends, volunteering playing piano at Cedars Villa Nursing Home and providing baking for those going through treatment at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. As a colon cancer survivor, volunteering at the Centre was dear to her heart.

Shirley’s family are very grateful for the wonderful care received at the Intercare Chinook Care Centre. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made directly to the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Shirley’s family here.

In living memory of Shirley Walker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes