Shirley Ann Longaphy

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a dear wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and mentor Shirley Ann Longaphy. Shirley passed away at home unexpectedly on June 1 as a result of cardiac arrest.

Born on January 10, 1944, she was the daughter of Leo and Maryann (Muise) Supple. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert Joseph, her daughter Catherine Ann, sons Patrick (Peggy Kenty) and Christopher (Natalie) and her beloved grandchildren Taylor Olie-Miller (Nick Miller), Rebekah Olie, Charlotte Longaphy and Robert "Bobby"Longaphy. She is also survived by her brothers Ernest and Alan Supple (Selina), and her sister Joan Hollier as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Leo and David and her sisters Vivian (Burns) and Millie.

Shirley and her loving husband Bob were inseparable. About to celebrate their 59th anniversary Bob proudly proclaimed: "Every man should be so lucky!" Their strong bond was the envy of many. The best of friends they loved being together, enjoying countless hours laughing, travelling and spending time with friends. Summers at their cottage in Watt Section and winters in Ruskin, Fla. blessed them with great friendships and wonderful memories. Shirley was a people person who thrived on the joy of others. She loved to chat with friends, old and new, and anyone who knew her understood how much she cared for them. She was relentlessly positive.

However, family was the most important part of her life. Her love for her children was boundless and unconditional. She was raised in a large family whose closeness was inspirational to her own children. She especially loved getting together for the annual Supple Boxing Day party with all of her relatives. Family picnics to Graves Island, trips to Old Orchard Beach and watching the Natal Day parade all fostered her wish to stay connected. Christmas and Easter celebrations were embraced. Despite many health setbacks, she never lost her ability to see the positive and joy in life. We are better because of her journey with us.

Shirley was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi (Laureate Epsilon Chapter) and she loved spending time with her sorority sisters. As a younger woman she was an active member of her church (St. Stephen, Halifax) and knew she was blessed by her faith. She strongly believed that you make your own small difference in lives by embracing others as you find them. Judge not. The anecdotes telling of her positive personality and influence are numerous.Our lives have been enlarged by her presence and that will not die.

Thank you to the team of first responders who fought to save her at home and to the medical staff at the QEII for their care and compassion during several recent emerg. visits. A special thank you to Dr. Kristian Lobban (the staff at Duffus Medical) and Dr. Volodko Bakowsky for their continuing care, as well as the tireless service of the V.O.N.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 12:15 on Tuesday, June 11 at St. Ignatious Church in Bedford . Reception to follow in the church hall.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice, the Arthritis Society or Feed Nova Scotia.