Obituary of Shirley Elizabeth Sadler

Shirley Sadler, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital at age 90. Born August 24, 1923 in Saint John, N.B., Shirley was the eldest child and only daughter of the late Ralph Augustus Lloyd and Grace Marshall (Magee) Fulton. She was a long term resident of the Saint John area and grew up in the city's east side. A graduate of Saint John High School, Class of 1940, she worked at NBTel for 8 years before marrying Robert Francis Sadler. Shirley spent several years in Ottawa, the Caribbean and Montreal, accompanying her civil engineer spouse from one construction project to another. She met the challenge of being a young mother from Saint John transported to life in the West Indies during the 1960's. Shirley and Bob had a home in Quinton Heights before moving to Kennebecasis Park where they spent many happy decades. Shirley resided at Parkland in the Valley apartments in Quispamsis for the last two years. Shirley loved spending summers at the cottage in Bay du Vin. For 50 years she watched the sun set over Miramichi Bay from her lawn chair on the bank. Bob picked the blueberries, Shirley made the pies. Shirley was renowned for her chocolate chip cookies and her family holiday dinners were unsurpassed. Shirley had a host of pastimes. She knit the most intricate of sweaters, all the while keeping an eye on the hockey game on television. She was an avid attendee of auctions and developed a keen eye for quality antiques. She enjoyed playing bridge – a skill that, to her chagrin, none of her children acquired – with the same close knit group of women for 40 years or more. Pleasure travel included trips to Europe, Western Canada and the Caribbean. Shirley’s last major expedition was a truly memorable trip in 2006 when she revisited Antigua with her three sons. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved and whose endeavours she followed closely and supported generously. She had a wide circle of friends. She taught her family many things but perhaps her greatest lesson was how to age with grace and dignity. Shirley is survived by three sons, David L. Sadler (Paula Barry) of Quispamsis, Dr. R. Mark Sadler (Dr. Keltie English) of Halifax, N.S. and John R. Sadler (Barbara) of London, Ont.; eight grandchildren, Catherine of Ottawa, Margaret (Matthew Fullerton) of Truro,N.S., Robert (Carla) of Rothesay, Victoria of Quispamsis, Meredith of Toronto, Leigh of Halifax, Jennifer of London, Ont. and Rebecca (Ashley Lintott) of Toronto; two great grandchildren, Gabriel and Celia. Shirley was predeceased by her husband in 1996 and her brother Lawrence (Bud) Ralph Fulton in 1982. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John. Following cremation, interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery at a private ceremony.