We Remember
ECCOTT, Shirley Ann (nee Griffin)
April 10, 1933 — November 7, 2016
Shirley Ann Eccott passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on November 7th, 2016, in Kelowna BC. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Jim Eliot; four children; David (Barb), Carol (Bryan) Anderson, Geoffrey (Lynda) and Barbara (Kim) Scoville; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Shirley Ann, an only child, was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. Her father Bill Griffin, born in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, was an RCMP officer with two siblings. Her mother Helen Griffin (Simpson), was born in England and had 16 brothers and sisters.
Shirley Ann attended UBC where she studied Social Work, was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and where she also met her future husband, Jim. Jim and Shirley Ann lived in many towns and cities throughout Canada, developing lifelong friendships with people they met. Ultimately, they settled in Kelowna, where they have lived for the last 45 years.
After graduating from university, Shirley Ann pursued her love of helping others and began her career in Social Work. In later years, she managed a successful portfolio of clients at Capri Insurance in Kelowna until her retirement in 2008. In the spirit of helping others, Shirley Ann served on the Board of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. Upon retirement she was given a lifetime membership to the Foundation Board.
Above all else, Shirley Ann loved her family. Nothing made her happier than to spend time surrounded by her children and grandchildren, especially if it was on one of the family’s annual trips to Napili Kai in Maui. A loving and caring wife, she adored her husband and together they shared laughs and many special moments, watched their family grow and enjoyed the life they had built. As the matriarch of the family, it wasn’t unusual for Shirley Ann to be ensuring that all family members were kept in line, especially her husband Jim. This was a role that she handled in a firm but quiet manner.
Shirley Ann was the warmest, kindest person on the face of the earth. She cherished all people and always found the best in them. She taught her children and grandchildren to love everybody and everything. A continuous stream of horses, dogs, cats, birds, goats, donkeys and more, brought many smiles to someone who would not have harmed anything in the world. Shirley Ann was a wonderful woman with a kind heart and a gentle soul.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Jan McIntosh, the staff at Hawthorne – Orchard Manor and Shirley Ann’s long time caregiver Jodi Megas for their professional care and unwavering love and compassion.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 21 at 1:00 pm at St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral Church, 608 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, B.C, with a reception to follow at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”
Service
Monday, November 21 at 1:00 pm
Location
St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral Church
Share with Others:
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation
Memorial donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com/donate-now/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for ECCOTT, Shirley Ann (nee Griffin) is scheduled for Monday, November 21 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral Church
608 Sutherland Avenue Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My life was made fuller by meeting Shirley Ann on the Board of KGH Foundation. What a wonderful woman! I cannot imagine this world without kind souls like Shirley Ann. She was the kindest, most caring person I have known. There will be a big hole to fill as she has left us.
Jim, Bruce and I send our condolences and regret we will not be at the service on November 21 as we are in one of Shirley Ann’ s favourite spots – Maui. Please treasure all your great memories of the last 61 years. You were a beautiful couple.
To my friends, Jim, Carol & Bryan, and to all the other family members & friends, I offer my deepest condolences for your great loss. Shirley-Ann was a most gracious woman, and I always enjoyed our short visits at Hastings Racecourse. I was not aware of her previous career in social work, but she clearly brought her helpful characteristics into all the other aspects of her life. I will miss her very much.
Shirley Ann was such a special lady. We are so lucky to have shared so many wonderful times with her. I truly have missed our lunches together. Love to you all. Art and Jody
Although we never met Shirley Ann, we both felt we knew her through our conversations with you, Jim, and, from those conversations, we know that she was your best friend. You will miss her, but, remember, she will always be with you in your heart. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Jim,, so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Dave and Barb Eccott and families, we are thinking of all of you all and hope you have many fun times and treasured memories of Shirley Ann. Our all time favourite story is the BCAA caper which really showed Shirley Ann’s resourcefulness and determination.
We are so sorry, Jim, that Shirley has passed away and our hearts go out to you and your family. We will always remember Shirley’s wonderful sense of humour and her kindness of heart. She was a very special person and will be missed by all who knew her.
We are so sorry, Jim, that Shirley has passed away, and our hearts go out to you and your family. We will always remember Shirley for her wonderful sense of humour and her kindness of heart. She will be missed by all who knew her.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Warm regards, Cynthia Waldek-Peters
To Jim and family my condolences. We shared many good times on her almost daily stop at the Bluebird Gas Bar in the mission. Sadly missed. Ken and Marlene McWilliam
Sending our love and condolences to you all at this sad time.
I remember Shirley Ann as such a generous, kind and loving lady. Her warm, smiling face, her bubbly personality and her love of life will be missed and remembered by everyone who knew her.
Love, Michelle and Dale Johnson
To Shirley Ann’s family – I regret very much that I cannot attend the service today to remember and celebrate such an amazing woman. I knew Shirley Ann as a client of Capri and through the ‘horse world’; she was always so upbeat, so fun, so generous – just so special. What wonderful memories all of us will cherish!
I was blessed to have meet with Shirley on a few occasions, she was one of the real ladies of the world. She was always a pleasure to be around and always so regal. She will be sadly missed by us all.