Obituary of Shirley Jean Baxter

BAXTER (BANKS), Shirley Jean – age 83, of Oakfield. With heavy hearts, with her loving family at her side, we sadly announce the passing of Shirley Jean Baxter in Dartmouth General Hospital, on January 7th, 2024. Born October 3rd, 1940 in Digby, to the late Bernard Daley and Sadie Helena (Titus) Banks.

Shirley will be fondly missed by her loving husband, Bernard; son, Bruce MacKenzie (Wendy); daughters, Sandra Prell (Michael) and Tanya McKay; loving grandchildren, Christopher and Shane (Jessie) Taylor; Jenna MacKenzie (Greg); Josh McKay (Chelsea); great grand-children, Wesley and Nathan; sister, Louise Banks; close friend and cousin, Joan Campbell; the Banks family and extended Baxter family including, Kent (Annie), Scott, Karen (Al), Glenn (Deborah), Spencer (Sue) and a wide circle of friends.

Pre-deceased by brothers, Gary and Terry Banks and sister Diane Fraser.

Shirley and Bernie had an amazing relationship for over 46 years, being married for 36 years. They

worked tirelessly together helping each other in their businesses. They loved to travel and explore the world, to take care of their English Bull Dogs Jasper, Fred, and Sophie, to play Bridge with local card groups, to follow her daughter’s university games on webcast and they very much enjoyed their daily restaurant visits to the Big Stop in Enfield.

Shirley was known as a relentless hard worker from the time she left school. Shirley had a passion for food and helping people, spending over 50 years in the food industry from serving, to managing and owning businesses. “Retirement” for Shirley led her to opening the Shirley Baxter Knits studio in her home where she had many loyal customers right up until a few months before her passing. Shirley was an incredible knitter, who had the magic eye, and she perfected every creation she ever made.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Johnston and her team for her thorough attention to Shirley’s care and support while at the Dartmouth General Hospital. Our appreciation also goes out to the many nurses and support workers at the hospital who made her time a very caring and comfortable experience.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. As per Shirley’s wishes a private memorial will be held for family only.

Our family would appreciate donations to be made in Shirley’s memory to the Dartmouth General Hospital  https://www.dghfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/ or Dalhousie University Tigers Women’s Basketball  https://projectdal.ca/project/womens-basketball/

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words

and missed beyond measure.”

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