Shirley Noriko Higa

Shirley Noriko Higa (90 yrs) passed peacefully on June 28, 2023, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with colon cancer.  Shirley was born on May 4, 1933, in the small town of Mission, BC.  Born the youngest of 9 children, her sisters named her after the famous child actress Shirley Temple.  Shirley was initially quite a shy girl who loved to read. She read all the books in her school library by Grade 4.  She survived the internment of the Japanese during WWII but never complained.  Despite the early hardships of life on the farm after the war, she felt she was lucky to be  “spoiled” by her parents and siblings being the youngest. 

Shirley was a proud graduate of the Galt School of Nursing in June of 1955 where her classmate and close friend, Carol Higa, introduced her to her brother and future husband Tom Higa.  Shirley began her career at the Picture Butte Hospital and later moved to the Lethbridge Regional Hospital where she retired after over 40 years of service on the surgery recovery floor. She was a compassionate nurse who spent extra time with her patients talking to them, rubbing their backs and allaying their fears.  She frequently came home from work with cards and presents from thankful patients. She made a difference. 

Shirley was a kind and caring person.  She was always checking in on her family and friends.   People were drawn to her warm and calm personality and her beautiful smile. She was a good listener and made friends easily. She gave good hugs. Shirley enjoyed crosswords, reading, golf, bowling, watching sports and travel. But above all, she enjoyed time with her wonderful extended family and friends. She was especially proud of her grandchildren who she treasured. 

She was predeceased by her husband Tom, her parents, her brothers, Maggie, Bob, Jiro and Sam Miyagawa  and her sisters Akiko Tanaka, May Ohno and Hideiko Nishi. She is survived by her sister Soni Takasaki of Richmond, BC, her daughter Carolyn and granddaughter Lexie of Coaldale, her son Rick and his wife Jackie, her grandson Adam and granddaughter Jordan of Toronto, her in-laws Larry and Mary Higa, Geri Miyashiro, Eileen Miyanaga, Judy and Tad Mukuda and Jeff and Royce Higa and her many wonderful nieces and nephews. 

Shirley was a devoted wife, a doting mother and grandmother, a caring sister, a beloved auntie, a loyal friend, an exemplary nurse and a beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed but forever remembered.   

A Funeral Service for Shirley will be held at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday July 22, 2023 (470 40 St S, Lethbridge, AB). Interment will then take place at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta. Following the interment, a 7th Day Memorial Service beginning at 12:30 P.M. will also be held at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta on Saturday, July 22, 2023. The family welcomes all friends and family to attend. Koden is gratefully declined.  

To watch the livestream, please go to this link - https://youtube.com/live/LW1vOKWLjDc?feature=share

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