Westmount
It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of our mother, Shirley Frances (Foote) Mombourquette who passed away peacefully Sunday, October 3, 2021, surrounded by loved ones, at the ripe age of ninety-one.
A life-long resident of Westmount, Shirley is survived by her beloved sister, Nancy O’Neil; four children, Fran Parker (Robert), Sheila Galati (Joseph), Debbie June Mombourquette (Peter Deelman) and Andy Mombourquette (Carmie Burns); four grandchildren, Terry Rollier, Andrea Parker, Robert Parker Jr., and Shauntelle Mombourquette; nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson, Benjamin Rollier. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, her best buddy cousins, Norma Nicholson and Joan MacIsaac and many cherished lifelong friends.
Shirley was well known in Sydney for her artistic and creative abilities, as a painter, sign maker, and for over 20 years worked at Crowell’s department store designing many memorable window displays and signage. A long list of dedicated and supportive volunteer activities includes working on behalf of the Conservative Party, both Provincial and Federal for decades. She was a proud life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 in Westmount. She served both as an Executive member and as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for many years.
Shirley had a cracking sense of humour, was an ardent fan of both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Bruins, adored all animals, music and was a keen darts player. A terrific cook; her chili, and spaghetti sauce will be remembered by all those who had the good luck to enjoy it. She enjoyed a tipple at the Peridot, darts at the Dobson Yacht Club and the Westside Legion.
At Shirley’s request there will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held at Hardwood Hill Cemetery on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11 a.m. and a celebration of her life will be held at the Dobson Yacht Club, Westmount from 2 – 4 p.m. on the same day. Proof of Vaccine required.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the following for their care and support of our mother; Cape Breton County Homemakers, VON of Cape Breton, the nurses and staff at the An Cala Palliative in the CBRH, and Dr. Liam Orrell.
Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Good Night Ma! We’ll see you in the spring if we can make it through the mattress.
Online Condolences
My condolences go out to the family. I had the privilege to work with Shirley at Crowell’s. She was an awesome lady. Enjoyed our many conversations on lunch break and in awe of her calligraphy! May she RIP.
From: Marva Handspiker
So sorry for your loss of such a great lady your mom she always loved to laugh at a good joke greeted us with such high regards .I will miss her my condolences
From: Donna MacFarlane
Fran, Shelia, Debbie June and Andy.
My Deepest Condolences on the lost of your mother.
May She Rest In Peace.
From: Dianna Amey
Our deepest sympathy to all your family. Shirley was dear to our hearts and was our neighbor for many years. Shirley was one of the strongest people we had the pleasure to know.
From: Norma-Lee and Charles Ponee
Fran, Sheila, Debbie and Andy I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mother was like part of the Bonnell family and I will always remember her. From: Linda F Sabean
I was very saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing! Sending sincere condolences to all of her family and friends! It’s been a few years since I have seen her but always went by for a visit when I was back home! Loved Shirley! She was like a second mom to me growing up next door! Valerie (Bryden) Nieuwenhout
From: Valerie Bryden
Much love to you all at the passing of you Mom and grandmother. Her spaghetti was scrumptious and her rolls were legendary. Rest well Shirley, you’ve earned it.
Nancy, Andy and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Such a wonderful lady. I spent many hours with Shirley in my younger years, and looked forward to her call on my Birthday for many years. Please take comfort in your many great memories. Rest In Peace Shirley. 💔
With our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. Sounds like she had a very full life! Thinking of you, love Sue and Gordon
I remember with great fondness spending time with my grandmother Peggy Hunt in Westmount whenI was younger. Shirley went to school with my Mom, Shirley, and Fannie was a good friend of my grandmothers. We use to visit with Fanny on Stratacona Street. I even remember playing with Fran and Shelia.
My Sincere condolences and prayers to all the family.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother.It was great to get to visit her this Summer Fran. If she was anything like her kids I’d say she was a happy and popular lady who enjoyed an exemplary and long life:) That’s an achievement.
Andy & Family~~Our deepest condolences on learning of your mother’s passing. Know that we are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories–they will last you a lifetime. Carol Ann & Manny
Fran (and Rob)
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I know how difficult it is to lose a Mom. May you know the peace that passes all understanding at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Fran. Will be praying for you.
Andy. Fran,Sheila and Debbie. I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was an amazing women in so many ways with a great sense of humor. Sorry for your loss! Fly high dear Shirley. 💞
To an amazing lady and Aunt who offered so much love and support to her O’Neil nieces and nephews for decades. We love you and will miss you. Rest in Peace.
Glen, Cathy, Rick, Maureen and Kevin
Fran and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. What a lovely life she seems to have shared with you. Praying for comfort and peace over you.
Jenifer Young
Rest well, Shirley; so many good memories of Christmases with you growing up. Much love to Andy, Shauntelle, and all those who loved and were loved by her. Gone, but never forgotten.
Andy, Carmie, Shantelle & family,
We are sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. Our sincere condolences to each of you.
Andy/Family-So very sorry for your loss , I played Darts with Shirley
many years ago at the yacht club she was a pleasure to play with
My deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure to play darts with Shirley at the the Legion in Westmount for several years. She was a great shooter and wonderful person.
Andy our prayers and love go out to you and your family your Mom was a great Lady and will be missed by everyone who knew her.I had great many chats with her Love from the McNamara family💕💕💕
Andy, I was so sorry to read that Shirley passed away. She was a great lady and will be missed.
Andy so sorry to hear about your Mom,our prayers and love goes out to you and your family.your Mom was a great Lady and will be missed by everyone who knew her.I had lots of chats with.Love from The McNamara family 💕💕💕
Nancy, Andy and family I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley was an AWESOME person who could always make you smile. I saw her a few years ago when I was home. Take comfort in your happy memories.
I worked with Shirley at Crowell’s and remember many of those wonderful windows. It always amazed me how quickly and beautifully she could make up a sign. I can’t draw a circle. I have thought of her often when doing up store windows in my retail career. She was a special and talented lady. My condolences to her family.
So sorry for your loss I have many fond memories of your mom
I only got to meet my grandmother one time, we’ve always lived on opposite ends of the country from each other, I wish I had been able to get to know her more.
So sorry for your loss. I remember Shirley coming to my dads store in Westmount. She always had a smile and something nice to say. Rest In Peace Shirley. ❤️❤️
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. I will always have fond memories of Shirley from my teenage years in Cape Breton.
Andy and Carmie & Family so sorry to hear of your mother passing may all your memories you share get you though this most difficult time my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Yvonne Le Jeune
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mom .I adored her and had a lot of fun playing darts at the yacht club. She was a very loved lady and will be missed by all who knew her
My condolences to family and friends. A wonderful tribute to her. My daughter will miss her grandmother deeply. I have many happy memories of Shirley. Her dinner rolls were the best and my family enjoyed them at every chance available. Shirley, your artistic talents, your baking, and sense of humour, I will always remember with fondness. Lives travel in different paths in life, we had our time together. You have your wings now to soar to even bigger heights. Blessings to everyone that Shirley has touched over the years. You will be greatly missed.
Nancy O’Neil
Visited Shirley a few times while passing through Westmount over the years.Very sorry to hear of your loss and of course her families loss.
It has been in excess of 60 years since we would have shared each other’s company in that small cluster of houses that included Dick and Lou,my grandmother (ma Bain) and uncle Robin and auntBelle.
Hope all is well with you.
Blessings go to all the family. Shirley was a very Intelligent Lady. May she rest in Peace.