Shirley Bruer (Demerling)

Shirley Bruer died on January 25, 2021 with family by her side. She had been saddened by the recent death of Paul, her husband of 72 years. Her six children (Liz, Elaine, Martin, David, Peter, James) and their spouses, her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren will sorely miss them both. She was predeceased by a daughter, Barbara, and by her siblings, Roy, June, Barbara, Elmer, and Etta. She will be missed by many other relatives and friends. Shirley grew up in London, Ontario. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. in psychology and philosophy. She married Paul and they raised six children. She and Paul lived in Edmonton, London, Mississauga, and Toronto, and retired to a farm near Wiarton. They spent their retirement years in the Grey-Bruce area and enjoyed hosting friends and relatives for barbecues, weekends, and special family celebrations at “the farm”. Shirley was part of a large extended family. Siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were an important part of her life. She often said that raising a close and loving family was the most satisfying achievement in her life. We value her legacy of close relationships. Shirley worked as the coordinator of volunteer services at Mississauga Hospital. She was a strong advocate for including patient consultations in the development of health care planning. She was a pioneer in the hospice movement and was one of the first trainers of hospice volunteers. She returned to school and obtained an M.H.Sc. from the University of Toronto and continued to work as a consultant in the health care field. She was active at many levels in the Lutheran church, with the Canadian Council of Churches, and with several of the ecumenical social justice coalitions. She and Paul read and discussed theology and put their convictions into action as volunteers in social justice activities. Together with Paul, she travelled to many parts of Canada, Europe, the USA, and remembers especially a trip to Madagascar with Paul to visit projects supported by Canada Lutheran World Relief. She was curious about the world and encouraged her family to travel and learn. She was a loving mother who taught us always to consider the interests of others, but to take good care of ourselves as well. We will remember her butter tarts and cherry pies, all the quilts she made for us, her love of words and her crossword puzzle skills, as well as the impressive level of knowledge she displayed as she played along with Jeopardy. She set an example for her family as a woman of integrity who knew her own mind. In the end, with medical assistance, she left us when she was ready and on her own terms. This was in keeping with her philosophy and we are grateful that she was at peace in her last hours. If you wish to remember Shirley by making a charitable donation, please contribute to an organization of your choice, or to the Stephen Lewis Foundation or Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

Shirley Bruer (Demerling)

February 25, 1926 - January 25, 2021