Shirley Jean Franklin, November 1, 1936 –  September 26, 2026

Shirley Jean Franklin passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on the family farm in Silver Park, Saskatchewan, she was the second youngest of nine children raised by William and Florence Cleary, carrying a lifelong connection to her Saskatchewan roots. After completing her education at Teachers College in Saskatoon, Shirley taught school for a couple of years before marrying the love of her life, Jim. Over their 59 years of marriage, they built a life and raised their four children—Kevin, Glenda (Wayne), Brenda (Byron), and Blair (Catherine)—moving with the three oldest children to Esterhazy, Saskatchewan in 1965, where their youngest was born, then moving to Smithers, British Columbia in 1972, and eventually settling in Nanaimo in 1979. In Nanaimo, Shirley and Jim owned and operated a bakery together, and she retired when they sold the business in 1987. Always active, Shirley enjoyed fitness, walking groups, church community, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family. Known for being outgoing and wonderfully put together, she was an exceptional cook and baker. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, holding every family memory close to her heart. Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim in April 2019, her parents, and all of her 8 siblings. She is lovingly remembered by her children and their spouses: Kevin, Glenda (Wayne), Brenda (Byron), and Blair (Catherine). She will also be dearly missed by her 9 grandchildren—Jennifer, Brittany, Tyler, Mitchell, Kyle, Steven, Lisa, Katrina, and Trevor—and her 5 great-grandchildren—Mila, Ruth, Hudson, Russell, Elle—along with many extended family members and dear friends. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate her life and what would have been her 90th birthday on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pleasant Valley (6100 Doumont Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E7). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: BC Cancer Foundation Website: bccancerfoundation.com

• Date : 2026-09-26
• Location : Nanaimo, BC