BRUER, Shirley Wilma (nee DEMERLING) February 25, 1926 – January 25, 2021 Shirley Bruer died on January 25, 2021 with four of her children present. She had been saddened by the death of her husband of 72 years, Paul, last December.
Her 6 children and their spouses, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren sorely miss them both. Shirley worked as a hospital administrator (volunteer co- ordination). She was a pioneer in the hospice movement and was one of the first trainers of hospice volunteers. She was active at all levels in the Lutheran church and the Canadian Council of Churches. She and Paul read and discussed theology together, and put their convictions into action as volunteers in social justice activities.
We will remember her butter tarts and cherry pies, all the quilts she made, and her conviction that raising a close and loving family was the best achievement of her life. A private celebration of Shirley and Paul’s life will be held later. Donations in her memory can be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, or a charity of your choice.