December 27, 1934 - July 22, 2024
Our precious mother Shirley was called home to our Lord during the early hours on Monday, July 22, 2024.
Shirley was born in the prairie hamlet of Trochu, Alberta, the first child of Emmanuel & Elizabeth Buchert. Shirley completed school in the area and took on her first job at Balkwill's Pharmacy in Trochu. It was there that she met her forever love, Eddie Martin, in 1955. After 11 months of courtship, Eddie asked for Shirley's hand, and they were married January 14, 1956.
Shirley will always be remembered for her great work ethic and varied talents. She was a fantastic cook, baker and homemaker, but also excelled outside the home in retail, building maintenance, as an Avon Representative, and savvy business owner/operator. Shirley reentered the retail sector in 1986 at Classic Cards in downtown Chilliwack, and retired 13 years later. During her retirement years, Shirley pursued another venture. With the musical passion she and Eddie had, the collaboration of the "Happy Hearts Country Band" commenced in 1999. The group included various members over 15 years, including a key member and lifelong friend of more than 60 years, Joe Sommer. The band brought music to most of the care homes in Chilliwack and Agassiz, always a source of joy for the residents, but certainly for Shirley & Eddie as well. Shirley loved to make music and was part of a variety of musical ensembles and choirs throughout her lifetime. Shirley had a wonderful singing voice, and brought music to many venues well into her 80's.
Shirley will always be remembered for her kind and genuine demeanor. She loved to sew and was always happy to donate her creations to those in need. Shirley loved to entertain and introduced much love and laughter at her home.
Above all, Shirley cherished her children and grandchildren, and always made them her priority. Shirley's children will tell you that she was truly the best mother a child could have. She was also a devoted wife and sweetheart to Eddie for 66 years until his passing in the fall of 2022.
Shirley was a dedicated and genuine Christian, and contributed much and more to the various churches that she attended over the years.
Shirley is survived by her 3 children Laura (Gary), Dean (Jenny) and Scott (Nagwa); grandchildren Lisa (Jason), Aaron (Kary), Tyler, Deanna (James), Ashley, DeanPaul (Heidi), Curtis (Delaney), Kelsey (Parker), and Danica (Bill); and great grandchildren Anicka, Munro, Bella, James, Luciana, Lukas and Natalie. Shirley is also survived by her sister(s) in Law: Diane (Harv), Rita & Joyce.
The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Bakker for his excellent care and guidance, as well as the nurses and staff at Chilliwack General Hospital for their genuine care and concern. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Shirley may be made at the Alliance Church, who represents the Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Foundation.
We will miss you every day, Mom, but we know that you are in God's heavenly care. Until we see you again.
Service
A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Friday, August 30th at 1:30 PM at the Chilliwack Alliance Church.
Service Details
1:30 PM