Shirley Beatty

Shirley Beatty (née Gibson) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 86 after a short battle with leukemia. She was the last of a long line of Pembroke family members to carry the Beatty name. She had just moved to Victoria, B.C., in July to be closer to her daughter.

Shirley was born in Monck, Wellington County, Ontario. After attending Toronto Teachers’ College, she moved to Petawawa. It was there that she met her future husband, Hal, as part of a bowling league. He liked to say that they met “in a dark alley.” He passed away in 2013.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Floyd, of Calgary, and her sister, Eleanor, of Oshawa; her two children, Kim of Victoria and Harold of Calgary; and her four grandchildren, Ryan and Lexi Knight, and Marcus and Brock Beatty, who were a great source of pride and joy.

Shirley was an active and engaged member of her community. She was a proud Civitan for many years and a dedicated member of Toastmasters. She was a retired Certified Financial Planner and, until recently, helped people at tax time. She loved gardening, feeding the birds, playing cards, hiking, and baking. She will be especially remembered for her much-loved date squares.

As a family, we are deeply grateful for the gift of her steady presence in our lives. She listened without judgment, offered well-timed wisdom, and showed us by example how to meet life with strength and resilience. Everything she gave us—her love, her patience, her values—will carry us forward. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation.

Mom, we are fortunate to have had you alongside us throughout our lives. We will miss you tremendously.