MARTIN, SHIRLEY MARIE Shirley Marie Martin, 79, returned to her Heavenly Father on March 30, 2014 after a serious infection and further complications. Shirley was born on August 12, 1934 in Vulcan, Alberta. She was the daughter of Thomas Richard Martin and Leona May Current. Preceded in death by her father and mother and her brothers, Ronald and Durward. Shirley grew up in several southern Alberta towns as her father worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway. After high school graduation Shirley entered the Canadian Air Force and trained to be a weather observer. She enjoyed her time in the military and especially loved the time she spent in France. Shirley loved to travel and enjoyed learning about many European countries. She returned to Penticton and decided to attend university. Shirley was accepted to Brigham Young University and chose to study Early Childhood Education. She needed to interrupt her studies to come home and care for her father as he struggled with a cancer diagnosis and unfortunate early death. Shirley returned to school after helping her mother and finished her degree. After college Shirley once again returned to Penticton and was introduced to Ben Lane Middio and they married in 1972. They chose to set up their first home in Kelowna. In 1974 she had her only child, Stefanie Jan Jacinda (Middio) Thomsen. Shirley loved children and was a natural mother. Unfortunately she divorced in 1980 and started caring for her child alone returning once again to Penticton. While supporting her family Shirley worked as a social worker and family counselor. Shirley spent the latter part of her life keeping a promise to her father by taking care of her mother as she aged. After her mom's passing in 2005 Shirley enjoyed travelling to Alaska and to Oregon and Atlanta to visit her daughter and grandchildren. She will be remembered as an intelligent, funny, creative and musical spirit. A Memorial Service in her honor will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2946 South Main St., Penticton, on April 9,2014 at 11 am. Condolences may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com
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