In loving memory of
Shirley Annabelle Sanford
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
It is with a deep sense of loss that the family of Shirley Annabelle Sanford, 86, of Zwickers Lake Nova Scotia, share the news of her passing on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Halifax Infirmary after a brief illness.
The eldest daughter of the late Alfred and Violet (Brewer) Sanford, Shirley was born at home in
Falmouth on September 10, 1939, the day Canada joined World War 2. Family lore has her father telling the birthing women to be quiet so he could listen to the Prime Minister’s important radio speech! Shirley was a happy child, enjoying visits to her grandparent’s farm in Summerville, and holidays filled with laughter and her mother’s delicious baking. After high school, Shirley went to business college in Montreal. Here she met her first love, Bob Dickey – and thought of him fondly all her life.
Shirley’s working life began in Halifax, where she worked for the CBC, but her heart was never far from the Valley, and in particular Zwickers Lake, where a joyful matriarchy ruled over several cottages since the mid-fifties. She married Lt. Cdr John Carruthers in 1959, and life as a navy wife took her from coast to coast and “across the pond” to England. Her greatest joy was raising her four children and watching them grow. After returning to Nova Scotia, Shirley and second husband Bee Batchelor started a new adventure as owner-operators of The Ten Spot at Zwickers Lake. “The store” was a fixture for local cottagers, travelers along Route 10, and New Albany residents. A New Year’s tradition had Shirley making chili for dozens of frigid Polar Bear swim participants.
Even after retiring to the Halifax area after the 1990s, Zwickers Lake was truly Shirley’s happy place. From late Spring to Thanksgiving at the lake, four o’clock rang in cocktail hour gatherings of family and friends from one cottage’s deck spilling over to the next. She adored Wednesday night cottage suppers with Keith and Annette, doing the NYT Sunday crossword together with all present (though she had the most answers) and reading a good mystery novel on the screened-in porch. Outside lake life, she enjoyed a Sunday brunch club, a regular Bridge group, and took frequent trips to Ajijic Mexico with friends. To her last days, she was always eager for a family game of Catan or Scrabble. Shirley will be remembered for her kind smile, her optimism, and her love for her family.
Shirley leaves behind her daughter, Dana (Ken); sons, Chris, Steve (Sasrikan), Jeff (Patricia);
grandchildren, Erica (James), Megan (Eric), Keegan (Krystal), Lily, Parker, and Papear; siblings Lynn, Becky (Garth), Greg (Kitty), and brother-in-law Harry, as well as nine great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and beloved cats Yoshi and Gabby. Shirley was pre-deceased by her sister Nancy. We hope that they are enjoying a cocktail together on a sunny lakeside deck.
In keeping with Shirley’s wishes a private green burial has taken place in the Burlington Cemetery, Burlington Nova Scotia. Arrangements were facilitated by Personal Care Cremations and Memorial Services. Certified Green Burial Specialists.
For those wishing, donations made to the SPCA or your local cat rescue would be appreciated by her family.
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SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Service Note
In keeping with Shirley’s wishes a private green burial will take place in the Burlington Cemetery, Burlington Nova Scotia.FAVOURITE CAUSES
PHOTOS
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Sending my Deepest of sympathy to Shirley’s family with their loss! I haven’t saw her for years but have fond memories of the ten spot with her, her mom/ dad & also Bee! Hoping your treasured memories bring her family/ friends the comfort needed as this time!! Sincerely, Angie Burns ( Squirreltown Road) RIP Shirley It was a pleasure to have known you