Shirley Joyce O'Rorke

7 October 193816 October 2023

Passed away peacefully at Taranaki Base Hospital on Monday 16th October 2023 with family by her side, aged 85 years.

Dearly loved wife (my Dear) of Richard. Loved Mother and mother-in-law of Paul (dec), Kathy, Gary and Denise, Angie & Chris. Loving Nan & Great Nan to Danyall, Hamish, Larissa, Joel and Harlyn. Eldest daughter of the late Eric and Thelma Petersen. Treasured sister of Eric, Edna (dec) Pretty, Esmay (dec)Petersen, Pauline Jackson, Noelene and Michael Holmes, Chris (dec). Loved Aunty & Great Aunty of her nieces & nephews.

Shirley’s family would like to thank the staff at Molly Ryan Retirement Home and Ward 4A at Taranaki Base Hospital for their care of Shirley.

All messages to the family can be left here on Shirley’s tribute page.

A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Friday 20 October 2023 at 10.30am.

Eagars Funerals

Notice by Eagars Funerals

Tributes

My condolences to Shirley's family. I have fond memories of visiting at Palmer road and other occasions.

Ang White

Aunty Shirley, so happy I saw you in March. Your smile was infectious, your heart so loving & big. A beautiful lady inside & out. We have lost a special one that cannot be replaced. Thinking of you, Richard, Kathy, Gary, Ange & families. All my love, Debbie Bell.

Debbie Bell

After 30yrs Shirley, I feel privileged to have known you, my life was made richer for having you in my life. What an amazing woman you were & this world will not be the same with you not here. Unfortunately due to my own medical procedure I was unable to see you in those last few days or at the funeral 😔Lotsaluvxx Yvonne

Yvonne Lehrke

Sending love and thoughts to Richard and all the family Shirley was such a friendly fun lady and always so welcoming rest in peace Shirley ❤️

Jocelyn & Ivan Pretty

Dear Gary, Denise & Families Sending condolences to you and your family. Mum's are very special. Love Lyn Collins

Lynette Collins

Dad (Chris) and always loved his big sister Shirley and she was a sister to our mum Annette. Renae, myself, Shane (dec) and Carolyn (dec) and all loved Aunty Shirley so much, her beauty shined inside and out, her artistic talents inspired many especially myself and my daughters, and her beautiful handwriting in our cards and letters always made you smile. I will cherish the hand knitted outfits she made my daughters forever. I will miss her stories about her life with Dad and growing up in the country, her great sense of humor and positivity always left you feeling happy. Aunty Shirley we will miss you but don’t worry we will remember you especially every time I have a dance as you asked. Uncle Richard, Angie and Chris, Kathy, Gary and Denise and their families are in our hearts at this time of loss, but as time goes on they will share your legacy with us through the stories and laughter. Love you Auntie Shirley xox Haley, Tony, Prima and Siahna Brunello xox

Haley Brunello (Petersen)

Dearest Shirley. You were such a loving and warm hearted soul. You were so welcoming and accepting to me as a newcomer into your family, even though I was replacing your dearly loved sister. It was wonderful to know you and to know that you had spent your life giving from your huge heart to everyone who touched you. And you certainly touched me with your generosity and love. Go well Dear Shirley on your new journey. I will remember you always.

Robin Winter

Sending much love to all the family. Such a beautiful lady. I will always treasure the memories our little chats about the old Kaponga days. Rest in peace Shirley ❤️

Flo Blyde

Deepest sympathy Kathy, Garry & Angie. I have lovely memories of your mum from my Kaponga days.

Kaye schuler

We have so many wonderful memories of you Shirley. Farming on Palmer Road, Mahoe Hall family parties. You loved texting an had a great sense of humor. Shirley you were a wonderful friend we will never forget. Our Deepest to Richard Kathy Angie Gary an families Sharyn & Danny.💔💐⚘

Sharyn & Danny Hurley

In loving memory of my cherished sister, Shirley (Shirl), Though we couldn't be there in person, please know our thoughts and spirits are with you all. Shirl, our golden girl with her golden hair, graced our lives with her incredible talents and boundless love. She knitted joy and sewed love into the hearts of many. A talented actress, she danced through life with song and a heart full of love. Shirl's unwavering devotion to family and friends was her greatest gift; her humour and positivity shone through every day, even in the face of adversity. We carry her memory in our hearts and will miss her dearly. Goodbye for now, sis, until we meet again. With love and remembrance, Paul (sister) and family (Suzette, Nats, Eden and Ryder)

Paul (Pauleen) Jackson

Losing someone we love is never easy - My deepest sympathy & thoughts to you all. Janene Amstalden (nee Spring)

Janene Amstalden

May God bless and comfort the family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Latish & Anu Kumar

Thinking of Aunty Shirl at this sad time. She was the loveliest person anyone could meet. I always looked forward to her hugs and happy nature. She taught me how to ride a bike and laugh at life. She will be remembered fondly by me and my family. kindest regards and thoughts to all her family in this sad time❤️

Wendy Goodwin

R.I.P shirley

shirley

Thinking of you at this time. I know you will miss 'Ýour Dear' very much. Richard, you were always so loving and treated Shirley like your very own Queen.

Sandy Martin

Richard, Gary, Ange @ my dear friend Kathy I’m so sad to hear if Shirley passing such a beautiful lady I have always had a soft spot for her a your family . I’m away currently but sending love to you all Leeanne (Christensen)

Leeanne Mullin

To Richard and family. We wish you our heart felt condolences on your loss of your dearest Shirley. What a beautiful soul she is. All our love Liz n Phil

Liz n Phil Cleaver

To Richard, Eric and family, I know Shirley will be very much missed by you all, she was a fantastic life loving lady, sending you all our love to you all, love Ted cherie Dallas Hannah and Travis

Cherie

Deepest sympathy to Richard and family. Shirley was a great friend and caring neighbor to Mum. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

Lorraine Andrews

I send my love and prayers to you Richard and families, friends and neighbours as you mourn the loss of Shirl. May you all be comforted at this time of need. My husband Michael and I regret that we are unable to be with you all in person. I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for giving us Shirl. I have always enjoyed seeing the lovely way that she made people laugh. She was a great story teller. I recall in her earlier years of how hard she worked as a farmers wife and mother. I used to love walking with her across the lush green paddocks and tracks to the cow shed with the cows (whom she named several) leading the way. Shirl has always been homely and loving. She loved painting and drawing. I think it must have rubbed off on some of us too. It was inspirational to hear of Shirls way of dealing with her health. It was empowering and encouraging to hear of her faith in Jesus’s faithfulness. . In memory of Shirl, I will miss my sister. May she rest in peace. Love from Noeline and Michael

Noeline Holmes

A beautiful lady now gone to rest. Leaving wonderful memories for her family and friends to treasure. Much love and hugs. Pete and Ginny

Ginny Moller

Always in our hearts, you were such a warm, caring lady. Will miss those big loving hugs Auntie Shirley. Miss you already💔 Love and Hugs to Uncle Richard and family xx

Cushla, Juanita, Natasha, Jason and extended Fam

Fly high with the angels beautiful lady . Over the rainbow Bridge. Your smile and hugs will always be cherished . Every time I pick up my paint brush and paint I'll think of you . You were a inspiration. Love and hugs to the family, your in my thoughts today tomorrow and always .xo Always remember her love lives on through everyone of you, smile and shine bright like her heart of gold . Love Anna.FLeet

Anna

Shirley was a long time friend of our family . Many happy memories growing up over the years . Our deepest sympathy to Kathy , Ang Gary and Richard lots of love Raewyn ,leonie Denise and Alan Smith xxx

Denise Behrent

So sad to hear of the passing of Dear Shirley. Such a lovely lady and good friend. I visited Shirley the day before her birthday last week at Molly Ryan and she was still bright and chatty. Our sincere condolences to Richard and family and we hope you are comforted by the wonderful memories.

Carolyn Nicholas
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