Shirley Mae (née Justinen) Thorp, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 in Vernon, BC on July 25, 2024 from ALS. Born on June 12, 1946 in Red Deer, AB she was the daughter of Lester and Elsie (née Olson) Justinen. Her earliest memories were traveling to Edmonton as her mother received cancer treatments before passing away when Shirley was 11 years old. She and her brother Harold, were joined by siblings Ken, Bob and Rosella when her father remarried Violet (née Johnson) Daniel; together they formed a blended family and also had Larrie.
During her early years, Shirley resided on the then known campus of Canadian Union College, where she completed her primary education. It was here that she became better acquainted with her future husband while they often ate together after she finished serving meals in the cafeteria. She went on to graduate as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Portland Adventist Sanitarium and Hospital in 1968. A month after finishing, she married her sweetheart Richard Thorp at the Rest Haven SDA Church on Vancouver Island. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and had one daughter, Lorlinda, born in Kelowna,BC where they first settled.
In 1974, they moved to Rock Creek, BC where Shirley spent her time preserving fruits and garden vegetables that she grew; canning up to 500 jars in the summer. She also homeschooled their daughter and spent countless hours reading aloud to her. Their next major moves took them to Abbotsford, BC and then Calgary, AB which they called home for 29 years. Shirley often accompanied her husband on trips and helped him in the Adventist Book Centre store. For a number of years she worked part-time as a home support nurse utilizing her training as an LPN. Upon Richard’s retirement, they then relocated to the North Okanogan where they lived for the last 10 years.
Shirley made their home her focus and spent many hours gardening. She loved to go camping and to take local travel excursions. Family connections were important to her and she often sent cards for birthdays and anniversaries. As a life long Seventh-Day Adventist she participated in volunteer opportunities to promote the NEWSTART lifestyle program. Diet and health were of great interest and a personal study of hers. She was also a long standing member of the TOPS Club.
She will be missed by her surviving family, husband Richard Thorp of Vernon, BC and daughter Lorlinda Thorp of Victoria, BC. Her brothers Harold (Renee) Justinen and Larrie Justinen of Kelowna, BC, along with sister Rosella Towers of New Westminster, BC and sister-in-law Ellen Daniel of Niles, MI. Also by brother-in-law Brad (Kandus) Thorp of Abbotsford, BC, in addition to sister-in-law Hillair Thorp and brother-in-law Greg (Julie) Thorp of Oliver, BC. In addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada and the USA.
A special thank you to the 3 West surgical unit staff that provided care for Shirley at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital during her last 17 days.
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