Shirley Ann Lee (Robinson) Wright

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Shirley Wright. After a short illness, Shirley passed away peacefully on December 20th surrounded by her five daughters. 

Shirley was born in Smithers on January 15, 1932 where she lived until her passing. She was the eldest of five children born to Sid and Kitty Robinson (nee McDonald). In her younger years, Shirley was employed at the Interior News, Royal Bank, CNR trainmaster’s office and the Government Agent’s office. After raising her family, Shirley worked for CFBV Radio as the receptionist and then as a bookkeeper for Smithers Home Support until her retirement in 1993.

In 1953, Shirley married John Thomson Wright and together they raised their five daughters in Smithers. Shirley was extremely proud of her family and took great interest in their many activities and endeavors. In recent years, Shirley easily mastered social media to stay more connected with her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Shirley was very involved in her community, volunteering with a number of local organizations. She was a person of faith and the Smithers United Church was a big part of her life. She was the treasurer of the United Church Women for 48 years. 

Shirley was involved in many sports in her youth, including softball, basketball and curling. She continued to enjoy curling as an adult and in 1974 her team represented Zone 4 at the BC provincial playdowns. In 1991, Shirley’s team participated in the Senior Provincial Curling Championships. As an adult, Shirley took up golf and enjoyed golfing into her 80s, even scoring a hole-in-one at the Smithers Golf Course. Shirley enjoyed keeping active with aqua-size classes and was an avid Blue Jays fan. When on, her TV was often tuned to Blue Jays’ games and curling.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents Kitty and Sidney Robinson, her husband John Wright, her brother Tom Robinson and her sister and brother-in-law Betty Lu and Sandy Murray. She is survived by her daughters Barbara (Frank) Guillon, Colleen (Bob) Shiach, Susan (Allen) Davies, Kelli (Bill) Maskiewich and Tracey (Chris) Wright-Atchison. Shirley is also survived by her ten grandchildren Jordy (Laura) Guillon, Britta Guillon, Kathryn Shiach, Zach (Brittany) Davies, Isaac (Kate Richey) Davies, Grant (Chelsea) Maskiewich, Ella Maskiewich, Nadia (Tyler Oevering) Maskiewich, Hunter and Quinn Atchison. She also leaves behind her three great-grandchildren Freya Guillon, Oliver and Blair Davies. Shirley is survived by her sister Susan (Jack) Stroet, her brother Jack (Sue) Robinson, her sister-in-law Roberta Robinson, as well as many nieces and nephews and other extended family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Haskins and the nursing staff of Bulkley Valley District Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion, as well as the paramedics Danny and Nicole.  We would like to thank our community of family and friends for their tremendous support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. 

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life was held on January 2, 2023 at 2 pm at Smithers United Church, 3889 8th Avenue.

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