Obituary of Shirley Fletcher

Born in Fredricton, NB, and raised in Devon, Shirley was the adopted daughter of James Sullivan and Eleanor (née Foster) Sullivan. In her teen years she was fostered by Don Cameron and Freda (née Cathline) Cameron, of Hampton, NB.

She was predeceased by her adopted parents, foster parents, and birth mother, Laura St. Thomas; by her parents in-law Roy and Alice (née Keith) Fletcher; by her foster brother Robbie Cameron; by her sister-in-law Ruth Baxter; and by her beloved son in-law Paul Vandenbroeck. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Keith Fletcher; by her children Karen Vandenbroeck, John (Nelson Usher) Fletcher and Heather (Greg) Coholan; by her grandchildren Andrew (Sheena) Vandenbroeck, Katelyn (Josh) King, Steven Vandenbroeck and Rebecca Coholan; by her great-grandchildren Lawson, Cameron, Dylan and Lucia; by brother Wayne (Annette) St. Thomas, and foster-sister Heather Cameron; by sisters in-law Audrey (Lloyd) McKinley and Frances (Dale) McAdam; by brothers in-law Roy (Mary) Fletcher and Carl Baxter; as well as by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley was employed for a time, providing administrative support at the NB Forest Service and at NB Tel; but her real life’s work was raising a family, making a home, caring for others, and volunteering in her community and parish. She enjoyed singing in the choir, serving as a Layreader and helping with the Altar Guild. She was a member of Eastern Star, was Past Regent of the I.O.D.E. (in St. Stephen), and Past President of the ACW (at Trinity Church Sussex). She was a kind and caring soul, who sent countless cards and notes, prepared and delivered meals, and made calls and visits to friends, neighbours, and even strangers in need. She was a true woman of service, whose life and witness were a source of blessing for many and an inspiration to her family. 

Shirley always enjoyed a good outing, or just going for a drive, but her favourite place to be was at home with Keith, or spending time with their family. Her every day was begun and concluded in prayer, and she never missed an opportunity to tell her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren how much she loved them, and how proud of them she was. She was a woman of faith and of family, dearly loved and deeply missed. May she Rest In Peace and rise in glory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). Her funeral service will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 853 Main Street Sussex NB, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with The Rev. Canon David Barrett officiating and The Rev. Dan McMullen assisting. Interment will be at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Cemetery in Upham NB.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff of the Sussex Health Centre for their exceptional care and compassion. 

Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to Trinity Anglican Church (Sussex) or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.