Shirley CREWSON

Obituary of Shirley Mary Elaine CREWSON

November 12, 1925 –Tavistock, Ontario
November 21, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Shirley Crewson, beloved wife of the late John Crewson, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at the age of 95 years.

Shirley was born Shirley Hitzeroth on the edge of a little town in southern Ontario, Tavistock, the second youngest of four, two sisters and one brother. At the tender age of nineteen, Shirley graduated from Stratford Teachers College and became the only teacher in a one-room country school of eight grades.  She resourcefully taught there for six years, biking ten miles each day to get to the school.

Six years later Shirley was swept off her feet by a handsome, air force/geologist fellow by the name of Sheldon Crewson, whom she married and became a life-long partner to.  Right after she married Shell, she left her hometown, family and career and went two thousand miles west to the young city of Calgary, where they knew no one. Shirley showed resourcefulness as she raised a family (three children were born in six years) in a new city. Her dear friends she made became like family. Shirley is remembered for her kind friendly nature, her dedication to her family and her faith and love in our Heavenly Father.

Shirley spent years developing and enjoying passions. She was a wonderful cook and loved to have friends in for the best meals. Her cook scrapbook is an inspiration for her daughter to see if she inherited any of those genes. Shirley developed a liking for tennis, as she could beat her husband sometimes, and played for many years with a fun group of gals at the Winter Club. Shirley was involved for many years with the church as a Sunday School Teacher at Faith Lutheran Church and then a Sunday School Superintendent and later an Afternoon Circle Leader and coordinated many enjoyable outings.  She volunteered for years as a Meals on Wheels driver and collected food for some monthly meals for the Downtown Drop-in Center.

Shirley was a wonderful Mom to have. She lovingly allowed us an assortment of pets over the years including rabbits, birds, fish, cats, dogs, hamsters and turtles.  She was a fun Mom always ready for walks in nature, family picnics, camping and car trips.

Shirley lived a full life. Her faith in God was her source of strength in dealing with Alzheimer’s and several strokes in her last years. She spent the last three years of her life as a resident at Bow View Manor on the River View fifth floor. Thank you to the staff of River View and numerous support people there for their care, patience and compassion you provided Mom right to the end.

Shirley is predeceased by her loving husband Sheldon Crewson, and is survived by her daughters, Laurie Crewson and Judy Chalmers; and her son Stephen Crewson. Shirley is also survived by her brother-in-law Ross Smith, sister-in-law Evelyn Hitzeroth and several nieces and nephews all residing in Ontario.

Mom you have meant so much to us and will be forever in our hearts. I know when you see Dad in heaven free of disease in mind and body you will give him a big hug then beat his butt in tennis. A Private Family Service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Shirley’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Shirley Crewson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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