November 14, 1937 – October 28, 2025
at the age of 87 years:     

In Loving Memory of Shirley Anne Brownjohn (née Ellis)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Anne Brownjohn (née Ellis), in her 87th year. Shirley passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She had an infectious smile, a huge heart, and a true spirit of adventure. She lived her life to the fullest — just the way she wanted to.

Shirley’s life began in Vancouver on November 14, 1937, alongside her twin brother, Gordon, to the delight of their big sister, Betty Lou. Her early years were filled with music, ballet, and the love and laughter of family life.

Shirley was a strong, determined businesswoman who enjoyed a lifelong career with CIBC, where she met her first husband, Max Brownjohn. They married in Vancouver, and she lovingly welcomed his three children — Ingrid, Linda, and Roby — into her life. Retirement brought them to their favourite place, White Lake, where they spent many happy days fishing. Shirley sadly lost her first love to cancer in 1996.

Shirley was blessed to experience love twice in her lifetime when she met George Courvoisier, a charming ornamental iron artist hired to make home improvements. What started as a simple meeting quickly blossomed into a love that would last the rest of her days. From the moment they met, they knew they were each other’s person. Over their 28 years together, their lives joined beautifully, and Shirley gained four more stepchildren — Shawna, Deanna, Martine, and Kevin — to love and share her life with.

Together, Shirley and George made the most of every day — celebrating with family, traveling on adventures (especially to Akumal Bay, Mexico), taking countless fishing trips, and always ending the day with a fun, laughter-filled happy hour.

Shirley will be remembered for her love of family, her quick wit, tenacity, charm, and her passions for cooking, gardening, and animals — especially her beloved boys, Joker and Welder.

She leaves behind a family who will forever celebrate her life: her loving partner, George; five stepdaughters, Ingrid (Cam), Linda, Shawna (Bill), Deanna (Clint), and Martine (Garett); seven grandchildren — Seth, Taylor, Sydney, Elizabeth, Owen, George, and Lexi — and one great-granddaughter, Blayke.

Shirley is now at peace, reunited with her parents; sister, Betty Lou; twin brother, Gordon; first husband, Max; and stepsons, Roby and Kevin.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held. The family appreciates your thoughts and support and will honor her memory at a private celebration of life.

We’ll remember you in the quiet moments and still spaces every day. You live on there — and we will never stop loving you or cherishing the life you shared with us.

“In every moment, in every lifetime — I love you forever.”

— George