A loving, nurturing mother to Bindy, Bill, and Ian Wright, an amazing Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and loving wife to a Boat Builder.
Born to George and Lily Caffyn in Toowong, Shirley was the
youngest and only sister to Hubert (Bill), Greg, and Ron in Toowong.
Shirley was not only respected for her athletic ability but
also for her diligent social coordination. She was a keen traveller, a source
of good humour, a mentor amongst her peers, and a compassionate and loyal
friend to many. Shirley was a certain starter for a Gin and Tonic, whose real
passion was for dogs.
Shirley’s love, care, and protection of her beloved dogs
started at a young age. Her first dog, a gift from her brother Greg named
Jerry, was her shadow and attended her first day of primary school. Shirley
then attended St Margaret’s Anglican School in Ascot, commuting from Toowong on
her bicycle each day.
After completing a Physical Education Degree at The
University of Queensland, she returned to St Margaret’s as a Senior Sports
Mistress until the outbreak of war. Her career then saw her at the National
Fitness Council of QLD and QLD Recreation Council (1978) as an advisor to
assist with the recreation for Disabled Persons. Shirley contributed to the production of a
film designed to raise awareness for disability, which premiered in 1981 at the
International Conference for Disabled Persons in Edinburgh, Scotland. This
elevated her presence within the industry, becoming a lecturer, and a member of
many boards until she retired in 1985.
In 1988 she received the Order of Australia Medal for
services to Sport and Recreation for people with disabilities. A fitting reward
and acknowledgment for her commitment and generosity.
In the mid-1940s Shirley caught the eye of a young Engineer
named Ron Wright. They were married in 1949, with the next generation of
Wrights being born between 1951 – 1958.
The early ’60s were fruitful, with a thriving boat yard,
successful careers, a healthy & happy family with many holidays in the
Noosa beach house; a usual day entailing the beach all morning, and, of course,
sailing across the Noosa River in the afternoons.
1966 marked the year of an unfortunate car accident while
returning from Noosa. Life changed for the family, with a slow and tough five
years of recovery ahead.
Shirley and Ron enjoyed a full later life together; living
in Ascot with their loyal dogs, surrounded by a loving family, and traveling
the world. When Ron passed in 2015, Shirley continued living in Ascot with
their Labrador – Ferny for many years.
Shirley lived life the way she wanted, right until she
reached the finish line.
She is now with Ron, and her dogs…. already missed by many.
