Obituary of Shirley Annette Marchand

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Shirley Annette Marchand, of Arichat, N.S. On March 25, 2024, Shirley passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, friends, and wonderful staff at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish. Shirley was born on February 18, 1954, in Arichat, Nova Scotia, to the late Lucy Mae (Wilson) and Joseph Gerald Marchand. She was 70 years old. More commonly known as Shirley Foot, or Memé Foot, our mother was one of a kind. Those who had the privilege of knowing her will be left with an everlasting impression of how honest, truthful and unwavering she was. She was genuinely real, and that was uniquely comforting. A straight shooter, in every sense of the term. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. You would often find her knitting a colourful hat, pair of socks, or doll clothing. She loved to knit baby blankets for expecting mothers, and especially for her grandchildren, whom she loved and adored with all of her heart. You could see the pride in her face when she saw them being put to good use. She kept her family well stocked with the world’s greatest dish cloths, and often donated them for various charities. She knitted finger puppets for children of the IWK; a hospital to which she was so greatly fond of, and forever indebted to for their amazing work, compassion and care given to her youngest son, Wade, during his times of need. For that, she was eternally grateful. She was an excellent cook, with a magic touch. Many of the recipes she perfected were often imitated, but never duplicated. Her turkey vegetable pie, fish cakes, and homemade pizza will always stand out in our minds as the most comforting food in our lives. Everything she cooked was produced with love and care, and it was evident in the flavour. Our mother’s home had an open door. Whether for a game of crib and a cup of tea, or a come one, come all kitchen party. Some of our greatest memories are when our family and friends would gather around great musicians, singing and dancing. If her walls could talk, they would be singing country music. Guitars, Mandolins and Fiddles were no strangers to Shirley’s home. In 1980, with winnings from a BINGO jackpot, our mother purchased our home for a whopping $2500. Within those walls, a vast wealth of priceless memories has been created and will live in our hearts forever. Shirley will be deeply missed by her four children; Cory (Tania), Amanda (Tomasz), Wallen (Claudelle) and Wade (Chantelle); grandchildren, Kayleigh, Brayden, Hallie, Emma, Isla, Kylee, Liam, Jase and Kade. She will be dearly missed by her sisters; Lillian, Gloria, Ruth, Lorna and Monica; brothers, Darren, and Clifford, and their respective families. Besides her parents, Mae and Gerald, she was predeceased by her sister Darlene and her brothers, Victor, Howard, and Allison. Following our mother’s wishes, no formal service will be held. A gathering will take place at a later date in Shirley’s home with family and friends; a proper old-fashioned kitchen party. Just the way she liked it.