Shirley Anne Hewitt, the first child of Tom and Ethel Hewitt, was born February 17, 1928 in Calgary. She grew up in southwest Calgary with her younger brother Harry until she went away to Olds College in 1946. There she was enrolled in the Home Economics program, and it was also there she met RCAF veteran Roger Gurnett. They were married September 3, 1947. They raised their family in Edmonton until they moved to the Eastern Townships of Quebec in 1969 where Roger had been called to direct Maplemount Children’s Home. Shirley served there in multiple roles from chief dietician to remedial education specialist, from nurse to counsellor.

 

In 1973 they moved to Barrie, Ontario and in 1976 they returned to Edmonton. In 1980 they moved north to Spirit River where they opened the Ksituan Retreat Centre. Roger passed away in August 1989 and in 1990 Shirley moved with her son Tim who was serving at Westlock Gospel Chapel.  Her parents moved in with her in 1992 and after her father’s passing she moved with her mother Ethel and daughter Fran to Sherwood Park. She shared that home for a number of years with her daughter Joy and family. In 2016 she moved to a suite in Keith and Anne’s home in Red Deer County where she passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord on December 28, 2021.

 

Her remains will be interred with Roger’s near Spirit River. A memorial will be announced as her widely spread family determines the specifics.

 

The family of a dozen who moved to Quebec continued to grow so that today more than 200 call her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and call themselves blessed because of her part in their lives. In addition to her progeny, she is survived by her sisters-in-law –Vivian Hewitt, Barb Gurnett, Doreen Gurnett and brothers-in-law – Jack and Ted Gurnett and dear childhood friend Norma Blair.

 

It is said that behind every successful man is a hard working, faithfully praying woman; that describes our matriarch. Hospitality was an area in which she excelled. But, more than anything, Mom wanted to be remembered as a person who found hope and meaning in her relationship with Jesus Christ. His presence in her life brought about a life of loving service dedicated to glorifying God. To God be the glory, honour, and praise.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit:  www.reddeerfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2021-12-28
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home