FONTAINE, Shirley Ann

March 27, 1951 — September 10, 2022

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley Fontaine, on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the age of 71.  Over the last year, she fought courageously through a debilitating illness, until the day came when she departed this world to pick flowers and look after the hummingbirds in her eternal garden.

Shirley grew up on a farm in Westwold, BC before moving to Revelstoke, BC, where she lived with her uncle, Ronald Teagle, and aunt Emily.  In her 20s she lived in Burnaby, BC before finally moving to Kelowna, BC where she and her husband established roots and raised their family.

She had a passion for gardening, something she enjoyed for years and passed on to her kids, teaching them about planting and harvesting the bounty of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that she loved to grow.  She was known amongst family and friends alike for her cooking, canning, and baking; especially her perogies, cabbage rolls, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, butter tarts, dill pickles, rhubarb pie, and huckleberry jam.  At its peak, her canning room was so full of the fruits of her labour that it (almost) needed its own address.

With her family, Shirley enjoyed all the adventures offered by the beautiful province of British Columbia.  She loved boating on Okanagan Lake, camping trips to the interior, and salmon fishing expeditions in the summer on Vancouver Island.  She loved hosting large gatherings at home, with Christmas being her favourite holiday of all.  And no excursion or event was complete without a little music playing in the background, which usually featured ABBA, Boney M., or a classic country artist.

Whether you called her Shirley, Squirrel, Auntie Shirl, or Grammy, everyone who knew her was touched by her joyful heart, her spark for life, and her remarkable sense of humour.   Her door was always open, and when you visited you knew the coffee would be fresh and the conversation would often have you in stitches…or tears…or both.  She was a genuine caretaker, a devoted wife and mother, and a true friend.

She is survived by her son Darryl (Sandy), granddaughter Kya and grandson Braxton; her son Robert (Adam); her daughter Deborah (Craig), granddaughter Kalli, granddaughter Leah, and grandson Tyler; her cat Molly; and many more family members and friends whom she loved dearly.  In remembrance of Shirley’s life, donations may be made to her favorite charity, the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) or to Hospice House Kelowna, whose tremendous staff provided comfort and support during her final days.

No formal service will be held.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Mom…rest easy, walk with the ones you love, and pick as many flowers as you can fit in your hand.  We love you mama.  Darryl, Robert, and Deborah.