Obituary of Shirley Viola Fortier

Shirley Viola Fortier (nee Lyons)

Shirley was born in Smiths Falls, Ontario on April 28, 1935. She passed away peacefully at Kingston General Hospital on August 1, 2018. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 54 years Peter Charles Hitchon Fortier (RMC Class of 1955), her parents John Carol Lyons and Anna Marion Lyons and her sister Barbara Marion Lyons, all of Portland Ontario.

Shirley was always proud of her association with the Royal Military College and treasured wonderful memories of RMC and her friends. Throughout her life, Shirley was an active volunteer and had many interests including curling, sewing, tole painting, rug hooking, and playing dominos with her friends at the Waterford Retirement Residence. She was passionate about politics and truly enjoyed her time as an administrative assistant to Flora McDonald in her Kingston constituency office. Shirley was a long-time member of the Pittsburgh Township Historical Society and the Frontenac Heritage Foundation. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Philip (Mireille), Sandra Schmidt (Lorne) and grand-daughter Kristin Cottreau (Edward).   

Special thanks to Wayne and Nellie Westlake, Marilyn Vance and the staff of the Waterford Retirement Residence for their kindness and warm companionship.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd, Kingston on Tuesday August 7, 2018 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers please provide donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association.