Obituary of Shirley Elizabeth Power

Passed peacefully away on April 8, 2026, Shirley Elizabeth Power (nee Newhook) at the Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s. A woman of incredible strength and independence, Shirley lived on her own terms, managing her home, and her busy social calendar, right up until her recent health concerns. Shirley put up a courageous fight however her time has come to rest, she has earned peace. Shirley possessed a wonderful heart, a quiet strength & a great sense of humour. She enjoyed a good joke and was always there to share a laugh and simply brightened the lives of all those around her. As a mom, family was the cornerstone of Shirley’s life. She demonstrated her love through action. Never one to sit down but always finding something to do. “You’ve got to have a plan” she’d say. She enjoyed spending countless hours preparing delicious meals and phenomenal desserts for every family meal, gathering, special occasion or anyone who stopped in for a visit. Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who never missed a birthday or a chance to spend time with family. Always the voice of reason, Shirley saw the good in people, especially her children, and would defend each of them to the very end. She taught them the importance of family, having a good work ethic and most importantly, being true to yourself. No matter the situation she’d remind everyone “you’ve just got to keep going”. She deeply enjoyed visitors & treated each as family. Her door was always open and inside you could find a cup of tea, a sweet or just someone to share a chat. She cherished her neighbours on the Point; Madeline, Leonard, Cindy, Billy (whom she loved to spoil with her baking), and especially her nephew Guy (who was always there when she needed him). Outside her home Shirley enjoyed a long lasting and dedicated career at the Placentia Cottage hospital. She treasured her time there and maintained close lasting friendships with many wonderful colleagues including, Theresa Connors, Nellie Moore, Ellen T. White, and Patricia Careen. She also enjoyed her close friends, Anne, Olive, Sherri Lee, Ivy (who was the best hairdresser), Myra, her special cousin Bill Woodman from New Harbour, and her newest friend and home care worker Joanne Ryan, whom in their short time together she truly enjoyed spending her days while passing on her kitchen skills. Predeceased by her husband Martin in 2000, her parents Cecily (Thorne) and Hayward Newhook, her loving brother Jack, and sister Geneva, her in-laws Philip, Michael, Ronald, Dermott, Edward, Eugene, Ed, Jerry, Rita, Rose, Anne, Ruby, and Kay. Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are her children: Liz (Phonse); George (Paula); Bernie (Sharon); Debbie (Eddy); Shelly (Sean), and Tonya (Shawne). Her grandchildren whom she was extremely proud of Rebecca (David), Bradley (Elysia), Jenna (Corey), Nicholas (Johanna), Michael (Emily), whom she called her boy, and Mackenzie (Carson). As well as her cherished great-grandchildren Charlie, Cohen, Rocky, Camila, Cruz, Beckham, Brycen, and we can’t forget her four-legged grandson Jay. Also left to mourn are her siblings; Hayward (Junior), Dot (Don), Fern (Wallace), Lorraine, Sherry (Cam), and her in-laws Jim, Madeline, Anne, Olive, Aggie, Evelyn & Mary. She also leaves numerous nieces & nephews, especially Lisa and her countless friends and relatives whose lives she touched in many ways over her well lived 86 years. Her family would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to the staff at the Health Sciences Centre, especially those on 5 South B & Kory Power, as well as the wonderful staff at the Placentia Health Centre for all their professionalism, kindness, and exceptional care during her time in hospital. Mom greatly appreciated all that you did for her and we are forever thankful. Flowers are gratefully accepted in her memory. Donations can be made to the Placentia Hospital Health Care Auxiliary or a charity of one’s choice. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; Still loved, still missed, and very dear. “We will see what tomorrow brings.” – Mom Funeral arrangements entrusted to Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia. Visitation on Friday, April 10 from 7-9 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service to take place on Sunday, April 12, at Coombs Memorial Chapel at 11:30 A.M. Interment to follow at Coombs Memorial Cemetery, Southeast. Live stream available by following this linK: "https://youtube.com/live/-tH7i7agjHg?feature=share"