- WOOLAVER (Hamilton), Shirley J.
Died at her home in Bear River, as she had wished on Sunday August 18th, 2013. For the past several months she was joined in her battle with cancer by her sister Phyllis, her children and her grandchildren as well as many of her devoted nieces and nephews. The gathering of family and friends, so important to the Hamiltons and the Woolavers continued to the last moments. Mum remained close to her many Hamilton and Woolaver nieces and nephews and she was always in close contact with them; her sisters-in-law, Geraldine, Marie and Brenda and dear friend, Annie and her family. Shirley Johnson Hamilton was born in Minasville on December 29th, 1927, the last child of George F. Hamilton and Abbie Florence Woodworth. She was predeceased by sisters, Abbie, Esther, Marion, Isabel, Alberta, Grace, Clara, Sarah and Margaret and brothers, Edward, Leslie and Francis. She was also predeceased by her husband, Phillip R. Woolaver, QC and infant sons, James and Nathan. Mum moved to Digby to finish high school, where she met and married Dad who had just returned from serving overseas in the war. The Woolaver family was almost as large as her family of birth. After his graduation from Dalhousie Law School they moved back to Digby and set up our home on King Street and then on Second Avenue. Mum blossomed in her role of wife, mother and friend. Our home was full of their friends, the children’s friends and family members of all ages. It was an exciting time. Mum was President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Digby Legion as well as Chairman of the local school board. She was an active volunteer in her community, working and playing, with a great group of strong female friends. They knew how to work and have fun doing it... a great example to her children. Mum was a fantastic cook and a superb knitter, often without a pattern. In the 1970s she entered Mount St. Vincent University taking two degrees in French while continuing in her roles of wife and mother. Although most of her fellow students were much younger, she was still in close contact with many of them. Once again setting a great example for her growing family. Mum loved to travel, visiting Europe many times but also Trinidad, The Canadian North, Russia, Africa as well as many trips across Canada and the United States often on her own. There were frequent trips to visit with children and grandchildren where ever they roamed. Mum’s funeral will be held Saturday, August 24th at 2 p.m. in Grace United Church, Digby. A small reception to follow in the church hall. All are welcome.
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1927 - 2013 (85 years)
