Obituary of Shirley Elizabeth Ettinger

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Shirley Elizabeth Ettinger, age 90, of Bible Hill, on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, with family by her side. 

Born in Onslow, and raised in North River, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Ethel (Hennigar) Lynds. She is survived by her three children: son, Brian (Joanne) Ettinger; daughters, Beverly (Ronnie) MacDonnell, and Karen (Jim) Sidey; and six grandchildren, Martha (Eric), Bria (Chris), Gavin, Norma, Scott MacDonnell, and Andrew Sidey. She will be dearly missed by her great-grandchildren Ryker, Elliott, Sullivan, Léopold, Eloïse, Pete, and Harlan, and many special nieces and nephews.

Shirley was a devoted and loving sister. She is survived by brothers Milton (Eastville), Gerald (Amherst), Emery (East Mountain), Vernon (Truro), and sister, Estelle McNutt (Bible Hill), as well as step-daughters, Irene Ingraham and Eva Isenor. 

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Carl Ettinger; second husband, Gordon Ettinger; brothers, Allen and Francis; and stepson Tommy Ettinger.

Mom was a wonderful and devoted mother, whose greatest joy was spending time with her family and her pets, especially her cherished cats and two special duck toller friends. 

With her quick wit, she endeared herself to, and elicited chuckles from, many. Even, and maybe especially, those who were the brunt of her jokes appreciated her dry sense of humour. A person of simple pleasures, she had a great love of nature, enjoying bird watching, walks with Daffy (her trusty walking stick, lovingly crafted by Brian and Joanne), gardening, visits to the cottage in Indian Harbour Lake, and drives to admire the fall leaves. Some of her other hobbies included dancing, reading, and word puzzles. She had a lifelong attachment to her family homestead in North River and got great pleasure from visiting family members there. Nothing tasted better to her than the yields of the garden, which were generously shared throughout the years by Allen, Scott, and Darren. 

Mom worked hard all her life to provide a secure upbringing and loving home for us. She instilled kindness, a strong work ethic, love of animals and nature, independence, open-mindedness, and a love of learning in all of us. She enjoyed working outside the home and formed many special, lifelong friendships during those busy years. We will be forever grateful to her for her selflessness in raising us. Rest In Peace, Mom. We love you. 

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Wynn Park Villa for their compassionate and attentive care of our mother during her brief stay there. 

Honouring mom’s wishes, a public graveside service will be held at Brookside Cemetery in Mill Village on Thursday, January 5th, 2023 at 2:30 pm.  

Following the service, a reception will be held at Ettinger’s Funeral Home, Shubenacadie. 

Donations in mom’s memory may be made to the Nova Scotia SPCA.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Shirley may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com