It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Marie Dowding (nee Parsons) on May 30th, 2024 at St. Patrick's Mercy Home in St. John's.

Predeceased by her beloved husband David (1970) ; brothers Clayton ( Bessie) , Clyde (Olive) and Gordon; sisters Dorothy Tucker, Louise Gill (Cater) ; sisters-in-law  Annie Winters , Bernice Thorne (Jack) .

Leaving to mourn with heartfelt memories her son Terry and daughter Deborah McNamara (Brian); grandsons David Dowding (Tima) , Brent McNamara ( Julie) ; granddaughter Briana Hewitt (Joe) ; great-grandchildren Alex, Hailey and Cameron; sisters Marilyn Parsons ( Al) , Mildred McDonald; brother John (Sandra) ; sisters-in-law Maisie Hounsell (Sandy), Elva Collins (Claude) , Yvonne Gillard (Dave) and Judy Parsons;  brother-in-law Harry (June) Winters and a large circle of nephews, nieces and friends.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Karwood Retirement Retreat for 4 years of excellent care and also the wonderful staff at St. Patrick's Mercy Home.

Shirley was widowed in 1970 at an early age and uprooted to Mount Pearl with her 2 young children where she returned to school and eventually began a long career with Motor Vehicle Registration. Upon retirement she became a full-fledged snowbird where she enjoyed 20 sunny winters with her many friends. She enjoyed walking the beach and exercising daily and remained an active member of New World Fitness until her early '80s.

At Shirley's request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on July 29, 2024 at 7 Victory Lane, Mt. Pearl  from 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.

Funeral service will take place at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Newtown on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 at 4:00 P.M with Rev. Renee Easton officiating, assisted by Rev. Wayne Parsons.  Inurnment will follow at the United Cemetery, Templeman, NL.

As an expression of sympathy and In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Luke's Anglican Church, Newtown , Email address for etransfer ; stlukeschurch.newtown@gmail.com