RAVEN (Macdougall), Shirley

Our dear Mother, Shirley Raven (Macdougall), passed away peacefully on July 21, 2021, at her home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Born in Antigonish on July 19, 1935, Mom was the youngest daughter of Ethel Blanche Macdougall (Henry) and Hugh Macdougall of Hazel Hill. Mom was predeceased by her beloved son, Donald Bernard (1985), and adored husband, Stuart Carman Raven (2008). Shirley is survived by her daughters, Helen Maureen Farmer (Patrick Farmer) and Sarah Aveling Thomas (Andrew Thomas) and grandchildren, Brenna and Allison Farmer, and Aaron and Hannah Thomas. She was predeceased by her sisters, Betty Bedard (Macdougall) and Jean Schofield (MacDougall), and infant brother, Patrick Macdougall and is lovingly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. We would like to recognize the special relationship Mom shared with our cousin, Sue Marsh (Bedard). Mom and Sue enjoyed Sunday afternoon visits and summers with extended family in Port Dufferin, Shelburne, and Spry Bay. Mom grew up in Hazel Hill, enjoying summers with family in Port Dufferin. Shirley was known for her kind heart and generous spirit, always tempered with a splash of intellectual curiosity, having earned a Time Magazine Award during her high school career. She was an avid reader and closely followed current affairs and world events. Mom had a special gift for remembering events, names, dates, birthdays, anniversaries, authors, and details most others forget over time. Fiercely independent and intensely private, Mom was a spiritual person and never missed daily mass. She also had a deep respect and love for the natural world. Animal and bird visitors alike frequented her home each day. She was especially fond of her orange tabby cat, Precious. Mom is best known for hosting family dinners and get-togethers at her summer home in Spry Bay, having hosted friends and family members from across the country over the decades. A generous host, Mom always prepared a wonderful meal and engaging conversation for her guests. What we will miss most about Mom are Sunday family dinners, Saturday afternoon cooking shows, her political commentaries, and her delicious baking. We extend our deep appreciation and gratitude to the staff of the Dartmouth General Hospital and the QEII Hospital (Halifax) for helping Mom manage the last several weeks of a brief but terminal illness, with such courage. Additionally, our family would like to acknowledge the unconditional love, generosity, and dedicated caring of her daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Andrew, and their children, for their unwavering care for our Mother over the last several years. In place of flowers, we suggest donations be offered to the IWK Children’s Hospital, Halifax, or Seaside FM Community Radio Station, Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, in memory of her only son and our brother, Donald, who passed away in 1985. Visitation will be held at Dartmouth Funeral Home (29 Queen Street, Dartmouth) from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27th. Mom’s funeral mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (10 Maple St., Dartmouth) at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28th, Rev. Pat Cosgrove is the funeral celebrant. Due to COVID-19 protocol, we are unable to host a post-funeral reception. Online condolences may be offered by visiting: www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca Private interment to follow.