Shirley Remembered

Shirley passed away November 14, 2014 after a two year battle with cancer. The final days were peaceful with family and friends in support. Shirley was born in 1965 to Helmut and Doris Bittner in Elliot Lake Ontario. Her siblings Brigitte, Brian, and Charlie survive her along with her life partner Dan.

We will miss Shirley dearly – a statuesque, beautiful, artistic, stylish and athletic woman, entrepreneur.  We will miss seeing her walking around Ottawa with her dogs, her big camera, and her even bigger heart.  

Shirley was well-known for her ability to capture a moment, a feeling with her unique perspective and eye behind the camera  - to help you see what you have in your life.  Her photos were deeply personal and touching and often led to new friendships because of this.   Those of you familiar with Shirley’s skill with the camera know how fortunate anyone is to have had her perspective on your family, children, or pets.   Shirley often used her unique skills to give-back, pay it forward, do something kind – take a spectacular photo of a mother with her child (who often have very few if any such photos) and emailing it to them the same day.  “Today” … she would say on her blog …”it’s my day to give back”.  Her sensitivity, thoughtfulness and mindfulness were at the core of her craft, and her relationships. 

A celebration of Shirley’s life will take place next Spring.  In the meantime, Dan, her sister Brigitte and brother Brian are grateful to have you share memorable moments and photos on on this site.  Shirley was most often behind the camera – it would be great to see any photos you may have of her in front of it!