Obituary of Shirley Eleanor Floritto

We are saddened to announce the passing of Shirley Floritto on June 24th, 2019.

Born Shirley Eleanor Abraham in Whitemouth, Manitoba on June 27th, 1939.  Shirley was the eldest of 2 children, and her parents Leonard and Theresa Abraham provided the love and guidance that would shape her life.

Shirley and her parents only spent a few years on the prairies before moving to Rutland. She eventually attended Kamloops High where she excelled at math, clerical skills and bookkeeping. In high school Shirley met, and eventually married, her husband, Orlando. Together they raised two daughters and were happily married for over 60 years. 

Shirley’s passion for life was obvious. Never one to back down, she was not afraid to defend her point of view and stand up for what was right. Shirley’s life with Orlando took her to Riske Creek, BC where they owned and operated the General Store and eventually built a beautiful log home. Following that they moved to Quesnel where she and Orlando operated a very successful Charolais cattle ranch. 

Shirley enjoyed the outdoors. She loved to ride horses, camp, fish, hunt and pick wild berries or shaggy mane mushrooms. The pantry was always full of preserves and the coffee pot was always on. Shirley made friends easily, and cherished friendships for life. She also loved her pets. Many dogs and cats were welcomed into her home and her heart throughout her life.

Shirley also worked out of the home in several jobs. The majority of her career after the General Store was spent as a clerk at the BC Forest Service and Ministry of Health offices. After retirement Shirley enjoyed travel in Nevada and returned several times to Cuba. She always enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and spent many happy days fishing for lake trout, salmon and halibut during her retirement years.

Predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Theresa Abraham, Shirley is survived by her loving husband Orlando, daughters Arlana (Arden Powell) and Arlene, grandchildren Alicia (Brian van den Brink), Thomas and Sasha Ceksters and brother Sherman (Ann) Abraham, along with many nieces and nephews.

A wonderful woman, Shirley will be missed by many.  

Friends and family are invited to gather for her Celebration of life at 2 pm on July 5th at Clayton Funeral Services in Quesnel, B.C.