Shirley Anne Dargatz

1937-Feb-24 to 2023-12-31

On December 31st, 2023, our much treasured Sister, Aunt, and Matriarch of the Thornton family, Shirley Anne Dargatz, has gone to dance and sing in the angels choir with her Lord.

Born in Chilliwack, BC, she was nearing her 87th birthday. Funeral Services will be held at Carman United Church with Reverend Kristin Autio officiating on January 13, 2024 at 1:00pm, with a reception to follow at Bridlewoods Event Center (Chilliwack Lake Rd).

Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband, Kenneth Dargatz (2020); Father Russell Thornton (1982) and mother Constance Thornton (1995). Shirley’s siblings: Valeda Mae Broadbent (1989), Maury Thornton (2010), Lorne Thornton (2019) (Vi), Ron Thornton(2020) (Ina & Bill). Shirley was the Loyalist Ancestor of John Thornton. Shirley is survived by her youngest brother Tim Thornton (Marge), Doug Thornton and Elva McManus (sister in law). She was blessed with so many nieces and nephews, great and great, greats whom she loved enormously!

Shirley wrote “Love is the product of communication.” All who came into contact with Shirley felt her genuine and inclusive love. The influence she had on people was profound. Shirley was a remarkable sister, aunt, friend, strong leader, wise counsellor, mentor, educator, historian, and what she called “The town decorator.” Music, dance and her faith was the thread of whom she was.

Shirley devoted her life to her family, Carman United Church, her community and country. Her grandparents were pioneers of Chilliwack United and in 1898 founding members of Carman United. Shirley was an integral member of her church, served on a myriad of committees and was honoured with the church naming her to be a Trustee Mentor. She taught 32 years of her 35 years at Sardis Sr. Secondary School, in English, Social Studies, Physical Education and grade 12 counsellor. Her impact on her fellow teachers and students was profound and she was known to be the students favourite teacher. Shirley maintained friendships with her fellow teachers for the duration of her life.

Shirley’s community involvement stretched far beyond being a favourite teacher, to being awarded “Chilliwack’s Woman of the Year” (1997) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). In 2000 she received the Betty Urquhart Service award for her commitment to changing lives and building community. She was past president of the United Empire Loyalist and had a deep passion for learning about her Loyalist roots. She was past president of the Chilliwack Retired Teachers Association, involved in the Chilliwack Community Arts Council, Club 28, CGIT, Happy Tappers and Promontory Heights Historical Committee. Along with teaching, Shirley enjoyed expressing her beauty and creative side when she became a Mary Kay consultant. She continued to impact the lives of people she came in contact with and her fellow Mary Kay consultants for several decades.

The family wishes to extend their immense and heart felt gratitude to all the staff at Waverly Seniors Village, Dr. Basson, Dr. Marky, Dr. Low, the many amazing nurses and care aids who continued to make her look beautiful during some of her toughest days. Simply said, your care and love for Shirley and others battling Alzheimer’s Dementia was heroic.

If friends so desire, maintaining the integrity and history of Carman United Church was important to Shirley, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to Carman United Church, 7258 Vedder Rd, Chwk, BC, V2R 4E4, ([email protected])