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MELANSON – Shirley Ann, 85, of Liverpool, Queens County, passed away peacefully in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
Born in Newton Mills, NS, Shirley was a daughter of the late Stanley and Annie (Ross) Price.
Shirley was a former teacher who started her teaching career in Bible Hill and eventually came to the Queens County area where she taught in Mill Village Consolidated School, Brooklyn School and Mount Pleasant School. She was a member of Zion United Church in Liverpool.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Anne Espenant (Carol Bolduc) of Liverpool; her sons Philip (Debbie) of Charleston; Michael of Liverpool and Greg (Canora) of Oliver, BC. Grandchildren Matthew Kendrick, Riley Alexander, Nicole Wilkinson, Carley Melanson and a number of great grandchildren. Her sisters Susan (John) Whithrow of Mount Uniacke, Sandra Pate of Leduc, AB and her brother Bernard (Bonnie) of Musquodoboit.
Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her first husband Royce “Hap”, her second husband Elmer Guild, her grandson Brent, her great grandson Tyrese and her brothers Richard, Elroy, Dexter and Stephen.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool where funeral service will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Carol Smith Officiating. Reception to follow. A private family burial will be in Mill Village Community Cemetery. No flowers by request, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuenral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Melanson; Shirley Ann

Leo Campbell
So very sad to hear about Shirley’s passing. Her commitment to education in Queens was impeccable. My heart goes out to her family.
Michelle
So sorry for the loss of your mother ,she was a lovely woman ,very sweet, loved to talk with her will be praying for all the family Michelle.
Tish
Sorry to see this sad news. R.I.P. Shirley
Cheryl Bouges
Phil and Debbie,
Thinking of you both at this difficult time. Loosing a parent is never easy. Keep the memories close to your heart. Deepest sympathy
Cheryl and Bill Bouges
Darlene Connolly
So sorry to read that Shirley has passed away. She was such a pleasant lady. We always had a good chat whenever we met. Sincere condolences to all of Shirley ‘s family.
Sally and Earle Slauenwhite
Debbie and family:
Sorry to hear of the passing of mother/ mother-in-law/grandmother and great grandmother (Shirley).
I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Treasure the good times and remember all the great qualities she possessed.
Dollie Cole
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I remember her fondly as my teacher in Mill Village, such a pretty smile, wonderful person, prayers and sympathy to her family. Dollie Cole
Corina Huphman
So sad to be ready this…Shirley was a very sweet lady, always had time for a chat whenever we ran into each other…Rest Easy my friend!
Sandra Simpson
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing, she was a lovely lady and I always enjoyed our chats at The Port Grocer. Condolences to the family.
Debora Wamboldt
Shirley was a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with Phil Ann and Greg at this time of grief. Our prayers are with everyone for peace in your hearts. We love you Deb and Phil Riley and Matt
Deb , Chris ,Angus and Lennon.
Becky Williams
Sad to read this, I have many memories of my school years. My condolences to the entire family
Becky Williams
Judi Maillet
Anne, Philip, Michael,Greg & family, so sorry to see you Mom Shirley has passed away. As we all grew up together & your Mom was a teacher I had in Mill Village school, this saddens me. Last time I saw Shirley she was in good health & spirits & we had a nice chat. Thinking of you all. Judi(Whynot)Maillett
Violet Rhyno and Gary Downton
Our condolences to all of Shirley’s Family and Friends. She was a very very dear Friend to me for fifty some years. I loved her deary and will miss her.
Diane Munro
Phillip,Ann,Michael,and Greg
My condolences to you all .Your Mom taught my Girls at the Mount Pleasant school . I knew Shirley through the Zion United Church. And the United Church Women group.Take good care of yourselves.
Diane and Ian Munro
Bea Delong
To Shirley’s Family: So sorry for your loss. Sincere Condolences to you all.
Heidi Falkenham
My sincere condolences to the family.
Marie MacLeod
Shirley was a dear friend for over 50 years! I will definitely miss her! We kept in touch all those years, I had even phoned her last night to chat, not knowing that she had passed away that very day! Shirley will be fondly remembered by many for her sincere dedication to education and to the NSTU.
Roger/Margaret Leslie
To The Children of Shirley So Sorry for Your Loss
Patricia Morash
Sincere condolences to Shirley’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Shirley at Brooklyn School. She was always so kind and generous with her time and experience. Heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Patricia & Kerry Morash
Cookie Trainor
Dear Anne and Michael
So sorry for the loss of your Mother. didn’t realize she was that ill.
Please accept our condolences.
Cookie Trainor and Jean Fralic.
Michael Morton
Condolences to you and all the family
Michael and Judy
david leblanc
She taught me at mount pleasant very sorry to hear this….my sympathy to family and friends
Norman and Bonnie
The Melanson family:
So sorry to read of Shirley’s passing. Sending sincere condolences to all the family.
Bonnie and Norman
Robenia Brewster
Anne and Family
So sorry to hear about mom. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Take care and hold on to the memories.
Bean
Beatrice Delong
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to you all. I got to know Shirley through the Hospital Auxiliary and Zion United Church. She was always willing to volunteer. RIP Shirley
Sherry and Kevin Roy
We were so saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing .She was a wonderful lady and Will be missed by all who knew her.
Sherry and Kevin Roy
Helen & David Fox
So sad to see that Shirley has passed away. We shared alot of meetings and coffee breaks at the Manor over the years. RIP Shirley..
Shona
Philip and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Frank & Shona
Marilyn johnson
So sorry to hear she was a special teacher thinking of family
Lisa Tarr
Sending condolences to the entire family during this difficult time. Shirley had taught me at Mount Pleasant school I have very fond memories of her.
Take care Lisa
Diane Raynard White
Anne and all of Shirley’s family, so very sorry for your loss. Your Mother was at Mount Pleasant school when our children went there and was a lovely teacher. Always enjoyed a chat while volunteering there over the years. Condolences to you all.
Linda Lucier
My most sincere condolences to the family of Shirley. I got to know Shirley when we both had husbands at Queens Manor. .We were part of a support group for people caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease. She had a lot to offer to the group. Loved being in that group, we all enjoyed Shirley so much. She always managed to make the group laugh and I’m sure was instrumental in making the the group successful.Missed her a lot when she moved away for a time . I was looking forward to seeing her again when I learned she was back in the area. So shocked to her that she h.as passed on. Rest in peace Shirley, you surely will be missed .love you
Judy Vey
Phil and Debbie..offering my condolences in the death of your Mother.
Fred & Connie Hynick
Melanson Family… Sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was a sweet lady. Enjoyed our chats when ever we met. Condolences to you all.
Hugh Mosher
So sorry to learn of Shirley’s passing. Losing a mom leaves a big hole but hopefully your memories will help you all going forward.
Greg and Mary Croft
So sorry for your loss
Gordon and Jackie Eisnor
Philip and family:Very sorry to read of your mom’s passing:Sincere condolences to all Shirley’s family.
Christine Burns
Greg, Canora and the Melanson family
We’re so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know you will treasure the beautiful memories your mom gifted you. Our condolences and thoughts are with you and your family members.
Christine and Robert Burns
Fred & Connie Hynick
Melanson Family…Sorry to hear of your Mother passing.She was a lovely lady. We had many chats with her at the Port Grocer.Sending our condolences.RIP Shirley
Evelyn R Fisher
Sincere condolence to all of Shirley’s family. I got to know Shirley when i was working at the Brooklyn School.
Shirley was a wonderful lady.
Sandra Turpin
Anne and all of Shirley’s Family:
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I have known her since we became neighbour’s on Summer Street way back in the late ’60’s. She was such a sweet lady. Please accept my most sincere condolences. Take care.
Rick and Jo-Ann Baker
So sorry to hear of Shirley ‘s passing. She always had a smile and I always enjoyed our chats. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Robert E. Quinn
Shirley was an excellent, caring teacher. So many younger educators have forgotten how hard many of us worked to establish the benefits that educators and children take for granted today. Shirley’s sincere dedication to education and to the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union; local and Provincial, was immense. Educators mourn with Shirley’s family in their loss; please accept my sincere condolences. RIP.
Del Sparkes
So sorry to hear about Shirley’s passing. Shirley was a wonderful dedicated teacher and a wonderful friend.
Dawn Hanley
So sorry to hear. Hugs to the family
Wayne And Jean Cole
Sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Shirley. She was a lovely lady.❤️
Margo Hanley
Dear Anne and family: We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I’m sure there are a lot of happy memories for you to hold onto. ❤️
Sincerely,
Margo Hanley and Arthur Canning
Bebe Dauphinee
To Shirley’s Family So sorry for your loss.
Marilyn Densmore
I was so sorry to hear of Shirley passing we became friends while Everett and I was station in Liverpool she was great friend and will be missed. Condolences to the family
Jeff & Ann Langille
Phil, Anne, Mike, Greg:
So sorry to hear of Shirley’ s passing. Growing up, nothing got past her. Although she’d turn a blind eye once and awhile. Especially while we were in the barn. She’ll be missed by many.
Sherrill Harrington
Sending sincere condolences to all the family, take care.
Jean Strum
To the family of Shirley Melanson:
Please accept my sincere condolences at the sad loss of your mother. She was a fine person who always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I first met her at Zion United Church and always enjoyed chatting with her. She will be missed very much by all who knew her.
Take care and may God go with you as you more forward. Try to remember the good times, it really does help.
Sincerely,
Jean Strum
David & Judy Whynott of mersey point
Phillip and all of Shirleys family Judy and I send our deepest condences Shirley’s a wonderfull person.
Bless you all at this sad time.
Betty Shupe
Dear Melanson Family, sorry to read of your mom’s passing. My condolences to all.
Ronald Westhaver
She was my teacher in grade 4 .i liked her alot .she would let me come down to her house on saturday and sunday s . to play with her kids.i was Friends with her kids . now i knew if my grades was not good enough that i would not aloud to come to her house on the weekends .there was a couple times i was not aloud to come down .but i knew my grades slipped a couple times .all and all i never forgot going to her place in fact i would like about it. All the time . she was the only teacher i like. Besides misses conrad in grade 2 sorry i never got to see her in all of these years .but i always wondered where she was i use to see her husband walking home from mersey seafoods pretty well everyday .well to the kids i am sorry that she is gone RIP my teacher misses Melanson. I never forgot you bye bye
Russell MacDonald
Deepest condolences to the Melanson family.
I met Shirley when we both served with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and I can safely say that she was a voice and a force that you appreciated.
Greg & Lin Conrad
Our sincere condolences to Shirley’s family.
Claire McCling
Memories of the many times Shirley and Hap spent overnights and week ends at our old Log Cabin. A stopping place for Shirley when she needed to catch a flight out west to visit family. We were kindred spirits. I loved her like a sister. The whole family wish the family sympathy. The McClung Family (Claire)
David Pottie
Shirley and I comprised 50% of the staff when Mill Village Consolidated opened in 1963. We were 100% of the middle school staff (it wasn’t called that at that time). I haven”t seen Shirley for some time, but remember her dedication to her classes and to the teaching profession.
My condolences to the family.
Sally deRuyter
Anne, Philip, Michael, Greg, so sad and sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Thinking of you at this sad time. You mother was an amazing woman who touched so many hearts. She will always be special to me. Sincere condolences to you and all of Shirley’s family.
Albert Johnson
Our sincere condolences to Shirley’s Family on her recent passing . I have known Shirley as a strong willed and capable Member of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union from the early 1970’s and continuing on into the 2000’s with the Retired Teachers Organization at the Provincial Level . Shirley was a wonderful Union colleague working hard for the people of her Local and Provincially . May your precious memories give you Peace at this difficult time . Sincerely S.Albert Johnson & Bonnie
Peter and Janet Fountain
We remember Shirley as such a friendly and supportive person as a teaching colleague and a great supporter and leader in the Retired Teachers Organization. She will be missed. Our condolences to her family.
André Mouton
Dear Anne and Carole,
It’s with much sadness that we learned about Shirley’s passing. We want want to offer you, your family and all her friends our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times, may she rest in peace.
André and Nathalie
Cathy Wentzell
My sincere condolences to Shirley’s family.
She was a lovely lady who touched many lives
in positive and meaningful ways.
Rest peacefully, Shirley.
Cathy Wentzell
Holly Smith
Melanson family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear Mom, Shirley. She truly was a lovely soul with such a positive outlook on life. It seemed she could always stop, reflect, have a little laugh, then move on, even when things were so difficult for her!
Such a great ability to cope with the tough times in life….
May you all find great comfort in memories of your Mom as you go on without her. Rest in peace Shirley.
Holly Smith
Donna West
Phil, Anne, Mike, and Greg,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have great memories of working with her in Brooklyn. She was a dedicated teacher and a well liked colleague. She will be missed by many. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
William Berryman
My sincere condolences to Phil, Anne, Mike and Greg. I had the pleasure of working with Shirley on the Provincial Executive of the NSTU and as the NSTU Executive Staff Officer for the South Shore School Board. Shirley was a strong and vocal supporter of educators in the region and she continued that support as President of the Retired Teachers Organization Queens Branch .I once again had the pleasure of working with her in this capacity as President of the RTO.
Faye Barkhouse
Melanson family, sincere condolences to you all on the loss of Shirley. She was a lovely lady. Take comfort in all your wonderful memories.
Susan Levy
Michael, Greg, Anne and Philip – Please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of your Mom. She taught me in Mill Village, very dedicated to her work. I wish you comfort during this time of mourning. Susan (Whynot) Levy
Vernon a Bolivar&linda c bolivar
hi phil–long time no see–my sincere conddolences to you and your family
Gyneth
My condolence to the family of Shirley on her passing , she will be missed by many.
May she rest in peace and dwell in the house of the Lord . God bless.
Gyneth McDougall
Murray Kirkpatrick
Debbie and family
My sincere condolences to you all in the loss of Shirley. A very lovely woman. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Marie Ayotte
To Shirley’s Family,
My sincere sympathy to you all. I met your mom/grandmother many years ago through our Hospital Auxiliary and served on various committees with her. May the thoughts and prayers of family and friends be of comfort to you during this difficult time.
Claire McLean
To the Melanson and Price families
As days and weeks pass and as you return to life’s routines, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support from family and friends.
Love from cousins Elaine, Walter, Katherine and Claire.
Ivan $ Marilyn Huskins
To Shirley’s Family
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom and
and would like to send my condolences to all the family
at this difficult time. May she R.I.P.
Peggy Kelley
Very sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing .Thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow .
Bev Pettersen
Anne, Michael, Philip & Greg and all the families,
I am very sorry to hear this news. Your mom was a lovely lady, never too busy to stop and have a chat and let me know what you were up to, Anne.. May you all draw much comfort from each other and your special memories.
Rudy DeRuyter Malagash Mines NS
My sincere condolences to you Ann, Greg, Phillip , Michael and families . I have many wonderful memories of Shirley , she was a very good neighbor and great friend when I lived in Liverpool , she will be missed by many …
take care Rudy
Sheryl Stanton
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing.
Our sincere condolences to the family
Victor & Sheryl Stanton
Dianne Stanton
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Dianne Stanton
Ruth Anne Zwicker & Kevin Cole
To all of Shirley’s family,
Shirley was such a lovely lady. We were so sorry to hear of her passing. Thinking of you all. Take care.
Lynne Jeddry
My deepest condolences to Anne,Greg,Phillip ,Micheal and all Shirley’s loved ones on her passing.I was first introduced to Shirley almost 50 years ago.I loved her vibrant personality, her love of her family and her commitment to her work as a teacher and her community ❤️. Many life’s were changed because Shirley quietly spent the extra time and encouragement with her students.Shirley also gave many years involved with the teachers union helping making changes over the years that effect new teachers today.Shirley was the least judgemental person I have ever known.She had a love for music and a zest for life which over time slowed but she never lost that beautiful heart.Shirley I will always love you and remember your kindness to me and my loved ones.Iam so happy we kept in touch.I will miss you my dear friend but we shall meet once in Heaven.God Bless you all.Love Lynne,Ellie and Steven
joyce and jim parks
To Shirleys Family, we are so sorry to hear of shirleys passing, we have so many great memories, our sincere condolences to you all, RIP Shirley.
Ronald Publicover
To the Melanson and Price families:
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing .I always enjoyed our chats, laughs. and memories. My deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Ronald Publicover
Chuck McLellan
On behalf of the Retired Teachers Organization- Queens Branch, I want to offer sincerest condolences to the family of the late Shirley Melanson. Shirley was a dedicated and empathetic educator who worked tirelessly to help her students learn and grow as individuals and community members. She was a founding member of the Queens Branch- RTO and served as President at one point in time. Shirley was very perceptive and was always working in support of her fellow retired teachers. There is no question that she will be missed by her family, colleagues and the community at large.
Shirley… may you rest in peace.
Chuck McLellan
President
Retired Teachers Organization- Queens Branch
Chuck McLellan
Please accept our sympathies in this time of loss. Linda and I knew Shirley as a teaching colleague, fellow retired teacher and most importantly, a good friend. Shirley had a razor-sharp wit and was always ready to offer a kind word to someone. We will miss her smile and empathy. Our thoughts are with Shirley’s family and we offer our condolences.
Chuck, Linda McLellan and Family
Mill Village
Linda & Dennis MacKinnon
Sending our sympathy to Shirley’s family. We enjoyed many fun times with Shirley. She was committed to her family, her teaching career, and to her community. She was also a valued member of the Hospital Auxiliary and chaired and worked on many Hospital Hustles. She was always ready to help out anytime and always with a smile. She will be missed. Linda & Dennis MacKinnon.
Leslie Fryer
Michael, Anne Marie, Greg and Philip – We are so sorry for your mom’s passing. It was a surprise to us all. She is at peace and reunited with your dad now. Shirley was a remarkable lady and I am only sorry I never got to see her after we moved here. Our condolences to all of you. Love Leslie, Paul and family XXOO
Sandra Cardinell
My condolences to the Melanson family on the passing of Shirley. She was such a kind lady with a great sense of humour. May she RIP
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Our condolences to all the Melanson Family. She was a lovely person and great teacher.
Treasure the Memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Craig Roy
So very sad to hear about Shirley’s passing. She was one of the best teachers I have ever had.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies at this difficult time.
Bonnie Mahaney
So very sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing…
I had the pleasure of getting to know Shirley through the Retired Teachers Organization. Shirley was instrumental in my becoming a Member at Large for the South Shore Region and she became a great mentor and friend.
My sincere condolences to Shirley’s family during this heartbreaking time.
Bonnie Mahaney
Claire Robertson
So sorry to hear the passing of Shirley. My sincere sympathies to the family. I taught with her at Brooklyn school during the first year of my teaching career. She was always kind to me and a great mentor.
Peter Lewis
My condolences to the Melanson family. I first met Shirley many years ago when we were both delegates to the Annual Council of the NSTU. I remember her smile and very pleasant personality. She was very easy to talk to. I will miss thise qualities possessed by Shirley. My thoughts are with you all. Peter Lewis