SHIRLEY MAE FREIHEIT

(Née McBeth)

March 31, 1932 – March 7, 2024

“To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.”

It is with much love and many fond memories that we mourn the passing of Shirley Mae Freiheit.  Shirley was born in Red Deer, Alberta and moved to the Hammond area in 1942.  She remained a long-time resident of Ridge Meadows for most of her life.  Shirley graduated as a RPN in 1952 and spent the last 25 years before retirement as a MOA for Dr. Gallagher and then Dr. McGowan.  She enjoyed an early retirement and spent a few wonderful years in Victoria before moving back to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.  Shirley was skilled at making deep connections with people she met and forming lasting friendships, particularly with friends of Bill W.  She was known for her wit and sense of humour and love of her “boys” the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Shirley will be greatly missed by her wife Elaine, stepchildren Tania and Tony, much loved nieces Ruth, Linda (Ray), and Pam; nephews Steve (Connie), Alan (Cathy), and Wayne (Sharon) as well as many great-nieces and nephews. 

Shirley’s courage, dignity, and determination in the face of her 16-month battle with cancer are an inspiration to us. Unable to live the life she wanted, she chose to say goodbye to us with medical assistance in dying (MAID).  She left our world peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, love, and laughter.  She has now joined her parents (Murray and Vida), sister (Lois), brother (Ronald), and niece (Lorraine). 

The family want to thank the many caretakers supporting her in her final months:  BC Cancer in Abbotsford; Palliative Care in Maple Ridge and at Abbotsford Hospital; the staff and volunteers at McKenney Creek Hospice; the doctors and staff at MAID.   As well, a special thank you to both her family physician, Dr. N. Zuri, and Nurse Practitioner Ruth Ringland at Surrey Pain Clinic for their many years of compassion and care.