Shirley Mary Stuckey

Shirley Mary Stuckey (nee Brown) of Edmonton was born on a much-beloved farm in Wapella, Saskatchewan on July 31, 1932, daughter of Beatrice Kerr (nee Dryhurst) and Joseph Clarence Brown. Her family moved to Alberta when her father joined Imperial Oil and worked on the Leduc No. 1 well when the oil strike was made. They moved to Devon as it was being established. After her father passed they spent some time in Matsqui, BC, witnessing the flood of 1949. Beatrice and Shirley returned to Devon where they worked in the telephone office there.

Shirley and Albert Stuckey were married October 16, 1950 and had three children. Shirley worked as housekeeper for Jack and Leona Anderson in Devon, at Somers Drugs, the Royal Bank of Canada, and Birks Jewellers in Edmonton. She went on to work at AGT (Alberta Government Telephones which became Telus) in the Optical Reproductions Department until her retirement. She was predeceased by her parents and husband Albert Stuckey and is survived by son Vernon (Lori) Stuckey and daughters Caroline Ferguson and Patricia (Doug) Nicol, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, and many dear friends.

Shirley loved animals, and often spoke of her grandfather always taking care of the horses on the farm before coming in to have his dinner. She loved all animals, and became particularly involved with thoroughbred racehorses while working at the Anderson’s. They named a foal “Shirley S” which was one of the greatest joys in Shirley’s life. She held a groom’s license at Northlands Park and spent many happy hours there, bringing huge bags of carrots to treat the horses. She was known by many of them, who would welcome her in the shedrows with whinnies and nickers when she came into view at the track. Her affinity with the horses and other animals was a huge part of her life. She took great joy in small things and enjoyed watching birds and jackrabbits from her window. She was an avid Oilers fan and had a special place in her heart for Wayne Gretzky.

Shirley was a very unique person and came to know many people through her time at the racetrack. Her sense of humour and lifelong passion for animals led to many friendships and a rich and full life. Much loved by her family, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A Graveside service to be held in Peace Cemetery, Devon, AB on October 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm.

A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy to Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare or the Edmonton SPCA (Edmonton Humane Society) in Shirley’s Name are greatly appreciated.