Shirley Elizabeth (Moraes) BAYES

Shirley Elizabeth Bayes (Moraes)    

April 3, 1935 – March 31,2019

Preceded by her parents Herman & Martha Moraes and baby brother.

Survived by Husband Al Children Linda (Murray), Terry (Judy), Brenda (Garry). Grand Children, Great Grand Children and Great, Great Grand Children. Sister Loretta (Gordon).

Shirley was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, first child of Herman and Martha Moraes. When Shirley was 5 the family moved to Victoria where she started school and her sister Loretta was born. Two years later the family moved back to Vancouver. After a short stay living on a house boat in Harrison Hot Springs then back to Vancouver the family finally settled in Port Coquitlam. It was here that Shirley met Al, her soul mate and the love of her life. They lived in Port Coquitlam raising their three children and enjoying happy hours with family and friends.  While living in PoCo Shirley played 3rd base on a women’s softball team, bowled, played afternoon cards and gardened. Summer family camping trips to the Okanagan, the Caribou and other areas around B.C. were a yearly event. Shirley also found time to work at the local building supply store.  In 1972 Al accepted a job in Chemainus and they moved to the Chemainus/Crofton area.

Although Shirley and Al were sad to leave their family and friends on the mainland it did not take long to make new and lasting friendships.  Their children soon followed them to the Island. Shirley gave up softball and bowling for golf and curling, continuing to play cards and garden. She found work at Thoms Clothing in Duncan and Key Furniture in Chemainus. After retiring Shirley became a volunteer at the Chemainus Hospital Auxiliary. Their holidays became more international visiting England, Wales and Australian where Shirley proved to be a great travelling partner. Holidays in their trailer travelling with family and friends, across Canada, south for the winter or summers on Vancouver Island provided wonderful memories. A special favourite was their 3 month trip to Alaska.  After Al retired the couple settled at Rocky Creek Seniors Park in Ladysmith where Shirley continued her many activities until Alzheimer’s made it impossible for her to stay at home. Shirley moved to Oyster Harbour Seniors Community (The Lodge On 4th) where she spent her last days.   

Family and friends were important to Shirley, as the family grew, Shirley and Al’s home became a gathering place where everyone was welcome. She loved to be surrounded by her growing brood of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley was a great host at BBQs, dinners and celebrations effortlessly serving delicious snacks, meals and desserts.  Shirley touched many hearts and she will be sorely missed.

A special thanks to the great staff at Oyster Harbour (The Lodge On 4th) for the excellent and loving care Shirley received. Your kindness helped make a difficult time easier.

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