Obituary of Shirley Constance MacCallum

The family of Shirley Constance MacCallum of Riverview and formerly of Saint John announces her passing in Moncton on March 11. Born New Year’s Eve, 1928, she was the only child of R. Kenneth Wills and Jessie Van Wart Wills, the wife of George B. Cooper, Q.C. of Riverview, and the widow of John D. MacCallum, Q.C. of Saint John. Shirley was a devoted helpmate to the latter from 1953 until his death in 1982, not only nursing John through prolonged illnesses but also fervently supporting his legal practice and 30-year political career. One of her proudest achievements was lobbying for the establishment of U.N.B.’s Saint John campus with him. Shirley revelled in her role as mother and grandmother too, playing both beautifully, yet maintained her own identity. A graduate of Mount Allison (BSc, 1950), she completed a dietetics internship at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital and then worked as a dietician at the D.V.A. Hospital in West Saint John. Later she turned her energy to volunteering. She sat on the board of the Saint John Free Public Library for 25+ years, was a longtime member of the Board of Sessions of Centenary-Queen Square United Church, and was an active participant in the University Women’s Club, the Girl Guides, and various causes involving women’s rights and social justice. Shirley also belonged to the New Brunswick Craft Council. Combining her sewing talent with entrepreneurial ability, she saw a business opportunity in the clothes she made for her daughter’s Barbies and created a beloved line of handmade toys--some of which are in the permanent collection of the New Brunswick Museum. Shirley remained in Saint John until 1997 when she married her college sweetheart, George B. Cooper, Q.C., of Shediac. She lived in the Moncton area enjoying retirement with him until her death. Shirley is survived by her husband, George; son R. Kenneth MacCallum (Theresa) of Wilton, Connecticut, daughter Patricia MacCallum-Lord (Stephen Lord) of Ottawa, daughter Susan MacCallum-Whitcomb (Colin Whitcomb) of Halifax, and six grandchildren: Stephanie Lord of Saint John, Maritie and Jonathan Lord of Ottawa, Duncan Whitcomb of St. John’s, Sophie Whitcomb of Halifax, and Lauren MacCallum of NYC. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, Saint John. At Shirley’s request, there is no visitation; a private service will be held later, followed by interment at Fernhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in her name.