Jubilee Joy: Shirley Birtles Celebrates 80 Years Surrounded by Love and Laughter

-Submitted by Sheri Pedersen

Hosted at Diamond Jubilee Court, the celebration was truly heartwarming. Guests arrived from near and far—Haliburton, Lockwood, Drake, Lanigan, Imperial, Nokomis, Leader, Prince Albert, and even across the provincial border from Rocky Mountain House and Whitecourt, Alberta, as well as Armstrong, BC. The love was unmistakable, and so was Shirley’s smile.

In a beautiful show of unity, 100% of Shirley’s immediate family showed up to honour their cherished Mum, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Among them: eldest daughter Sheri and husband Darin (Lockwood), joined by daughters Ashlee (with Lacie, Ruckus, Flynn, and Remi), Brooke (from Moose Jaw) with son Hayes, and Kristie with partner Noah. From Alberta came son Troy and wife Nicky, with children Rebecca, Tyler, and Jessica. Daughter Leah and her husband, Kelly (Rocky Mountain House), brought along Carter, Shivaun, Chloe, and her partner, Kalem. Rounding out the family were Joe Birtles (Lockwood/Whitecourt), special friends Shelly and Joe Safronetz (also from Rocky Mountain House), and extended family from Armstrong, BC—Shirley’s brother Jerry Freeman with wife Ethel, and daughter Joanne with children Iyla and Olin.

Celebrations kicked off earlier in the weekend with Shirley’s sister Mavis and brother Ron Freeman (both from Grand Forks, BC), and Brooke’s partner Logan in attendance.

A touching program entitled “Things You May Not Know About Shirley” brought smiles and laughter, as life lessons from Shirley’s book of wisdom were shared:
💤 A good nap is always a good idea
📣 Cheer passionately for your favourite team
🍿 Keep the candied popcorn stocked
💖 And most of all—choose kindness, always

To top it all off, Shirley’s grandchildren proudly served cake and refreshments, making the day even sweeter.

Shirley and her family extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended or sent well wishes. “I felt incredibly loved,” Shirley said. “It was a day I’ll never forget.”

Here’s to 80 years of kindness, wisdom, and popcorn. Happy Birthday, Shirley.