Shirley Mary Cattunar 4 February, 1935 – 11 July, 2025
CONTRIBUTE
TO MEMORY TIMELINE
Thank you for being you Nan. You taught me many things in life but most of all you taught me how to laugh and look at the smaller things in life. Unfortunately I didn’t take these learnings until I was much older and wiser but I have cherished all these times spent with you and the way you held yourself as a woman and strong leader of a huge pack. You will be forever remembered and forever talked about as you done so much with your time you gave this to this world. Love you Nan, Great Nan Jason, Lily, Jaxby and Rex.
>read on
I miss you so much already Mommy Dearest. You were always there for me. Right or wrong, your love and loyalty were never questioned. To me, you were perfect. Sleep peacefully now my dear mum. Give my Angie a big hug, tell her I miss her so so much. I will miss my weekly fun times with you, and our silly snapchat photos. Jayden and Anthony loved you so much, especially little Jayden. They will miss you. Until we meet again, I love you ❤️❤️❤️
>read on
Take Care....the last time I heard Shirley's voice was to say these words.A strong and positive voice on the birthday of Joe,the voice and words will stay with me always .Alas no more ,but you have your life ahead ...each day you will remember your wife ,and mother of your family.Grieve of course,and that will slowly lessen,and those words come to mind again.....Take Care.All love,your uncle Terence.
My darling mum. Saying goodbye was the hardest on the day but sharing that moment with you in some way gave me peace. Peace knowing you were comfortable, in good hands with your children and husband by your side. You were never alone, we wouldn't allow that. I miss you mum, I will miss you everyday for eternity ❤️💔
>read on
I am terribly sad thinking of Shirley's passing and I extend my deepest condolences to Joe and their wonderful and extensive family. I first had the privilege of working with Shirley on a play at La Mama Theatre, called 'The Flood,' written by Jackie Smith, and produced by Moira Finucane and Jackie Smith. Shirley played my mother, and she was a delightful, mischievous, and dear mother, both on the stage and off. A year or so later we had the pleasure of touring 'The Flood' around theatres in Victoria and NSW, and all of us in the team had a wonderful time together, including lots of talking about families during our long car trips together. I remember Shirley's advice to me in managing my own elderly mother, which was along the lines of 'Don't worry too much about her, we older ladies are tough, she'll manage without you, and she loves you with her whole heart.' I also remember and cherish Shirley's strong and independent spirit: making her own way to the theatre in Shanghai, from the hotel, having never been in China before; and in later years her courage and generosity in continuing to perform, to sing, to share her own and others' stories. I am sorry that I cannot be present for the ceremony today, as I am rehearsing another play. I hold Shirley's memory very dearly, as an inspiration and a guide to how to live with courage, grace, humility and fire, and I will miss her very much.
>read on
My darling mum, My momey,my Shirley werlie, time goes so fast. You are the rock and soul of the family. Your love never ending,your talents sublime , your sense of humour enormous. You tolerated so much and gave your all. Rest now mum and love you always.❤️❤️
>read on
Darling Shirl, so many laughs when you directed me in 'Busybody' & a whole different kettle and f fish when you killed me off each night in 'Death of the Maestro's. You were a joy to work with, an exceptional talent and a beautiful soul. To Shirley's family my condolences and thanks for sharing her with me and so many others.
>read on
Shirley was so bright she graciously and kindly left the light she and I shared to glow on forever in my heart and I am ever grateful as I am sure so very many others are. 💖
>read on
I'm so sorry I couldn't be there - I watched the service on line and it was a beautiful. And thank you Moira for speaking on our behalf. Dear Joe, I am sure you will miss her so much. I am so grateful to her for the amazing life she brought to my plays and those characters. She embodied them, and was so heartfelt and tender to watch on stage. We had some adventures together, that's for sure! Thanks Shirley! Thanks Joe! I'll miss you Shirley. xxx Jackie
Mum my mum , I love you so much my heart is breaking. You are an amazing mother you were always there for us. I loved your humour and I especially loved your beautiful opera singing. I will miss seeing you every week your beautiful face and your beautiful smile when i walk in the room. R.I.P. my beautiful mother you will always be in my heart i will never forget you. Love you
>read on
I will always remember Shirley as a kind, loving, elegant, talented and lovely person. I was unable to attend the funeral but watched the livestream. It was a beautiful celebration of Shirley’s life and was filled with so much love and devotion. Shirley’s eyes often sparkled whenever she spoke of her love for her ‘Joe’ - such a wonderful love story. Sincere condolences to all of the family. What a wonderful life, lived well.
I’d like to send my condolences to Shirley’s family on behalf of Williamstown Little Theatre. I had the pleasure of directing Shirley as the hilarious Miss Tweed in Something's Afoot in 1997 and she also appeared in Noel Coward in Two Keys and The Shoe-Horn Sonata. Shirley was greatly admired and respected at WLT.
To Joe, Theresa, Roxy, Vivian, Sharon, Lisa & David Our sincere condolences to you and your families on the passing of Shirley. What a beautiful tribute and service for her - thank you for sharing. Fond memories of attending many of her plays over the years. May she rest in peace. Heather, Graeme, Carolyn, Peter & Janet
Sincere condolences from our family. We had the pleasure of knowing Shirley over many years in various theatrical productions. Not only immensely talented but a truly delightful lady. She will be missed.
Oh I have just heard about dear Shirley’s passing. What a wonderful human and actress. I had the pleasure of directing her in The Shoehorn Sonata and appearing alongside her in A Skull in Connemara. So brilliant in both. A class act all the way. Rest well, dear Shirley and give that fabulous sister of yours a big kiss from me xx
>read on
Thank you for being you Nan. You taught me many things in life but most of all you taught me how to laugh and look at the smaller things in life. Unfortunately I didn’t take these learnings until I was much older and wiser but I have cherished all these times spent with you and the way you held yourself as a woman and strong leader of a huge pack. You will be forever remembered and forever talked about as you done so much with your time you gave this to this world. Love you Nan, Great Nan Jason, Lily, Jaxby and Rex. View full message
Jason Dowsey
I miss you so much already Mommy Dearest. You were always there for me. Right or wrong, your love and loyalty were never questioned. To me, you were perfect. Sleep peacefully now my dear mum. Give my Angie a big hug, tell her I miss her so so much. I will miss my weekly fun times with you, and our silly snapchat photos. Jayden and Anthony loved you so much, especially little Jayden. They will miss you. Until we meet again, I love you ❤️❤️❤️ View full message
Roxy CattunarTake Care....the last time I heard Shirley's voice was to say these words.A strong and positive voice on the birthday of Joe,the voice and words will stay with me always .Alas no more ,but you have your life ahead ...each day you will remember your wife ,and mother of your family.Grieve of course,and that will slowly lessen,and those words come to mind again.....Take Care.All love,your uncle Terence. Read full message here.
My darling mum. Saying goodbye was the hardest on the day but sharing that moment with you in some way gave me peace. Peace knowing you were comfortable, in good hands with your children and husband by your side. You were never alone, we wouldn't allow that. I miss you mum, I will miss you everyday for eternity ❤️💔 View full message
Lisa Cattunar
I am terribly sad thinking of Shirley's passing and I extend my deepest condolences to Joe and their wonderful and extensive family. I first had the privilege of working with Shirley on a play at La Mama Theatre, called 'The Flood,' written by Jackie Smith, and produced by Moira Finucane and Jackie Smith. Shirley played my mother, and she was a delightful, mischievous, and dear mother, both on the stage and off. A year or so later we had the pleasure of touring 'The Flood' around theatres in Victoria and NSW, and all of us in the team had a wonderful time together, including lots of talking about families during our long car trips together. I remember Shirley's advice to me in managing my own elderly mother, which was along the lines of 'Don't worry too much about her, we older ladies are tough, she'll manage without you, and she loves you with her whole heart.' I also remember and cherish Shirley's strong and independent spirit: making her own way to the theatre in Shanghai, from the hotel, having never been in China before; and in later years her courage and generosity in continuing to perform, to sing, to share her own and others' stories. I am sorry that I cannot be present for the ceremony today, as I am rehearsing another play. I hold Shirley's memory very dearly, as an inspiration and a guide to how to live with courage, grace, humility and fire, and I will miss her very much.
My darling mum, My momey,my Shirley werlie, time goes so fast. You are the rock and soul of the family. Your love never ending,your talents sublime , your sense of humour enormous. You tolerated so much and gave your all. Rest now mum and love you always.❤️❤️ View full message
Vivian CudmoreWhat a beautiful full and loving life Shirley lived. She will live on in all of her amazing family and I will smile when I see rainbows from now on. Sending you so much love, Kylie Read full message here.
Darling Shirl, so many laughs when you directed me in 'Busybody' & a whole different kettle and f fish when you killed me off each night in 'Death of the Maestro's. You were a joy to work with, an exceptional talent and a beautiful soul. To Shirley's family my condolences and thanks for sharing her with me and so many others. View full message
Terry Nalder
Shirley was so bright she graciously and kindly left the light she and I shared to glow on forever in my heart and I am ever grateful as I am sure so very many others are. 💖
I'm so sorry I couldn't be there - I watched the service on line and it was a beautiful. And thank you Moira for speaking on our behalf. Dear Joe, I am sure you will miss her so much. I am so grateful to her for the amazing life she brought to my plays and those characters. She embodied them, and was so heartfelt and tender to watch on stage. We had some adventures together, that's for sure! Thanks Shirley! Thanks Joe! I'll miss you Shirley. xxx Jackie Read full message here.
Mum my mum , I love you so much my heart is breaking. You are an amazing mother you were always there for us. I loved your humour and I especially loved your beautiful opera singing. I will miss seeing you every week your beautiful face and your beautiful smile when i walk in the room. R.I.P. my beautiful mother you will always be in my heart i will never forget you. Love you View full message
Sharon CattunarI will always remember Shirley as a kind, loving, elegant, talented and lovely person. I was unable to attend the funeral but watched the livestream. It was a beautiful celebration of Shirley’s life and was filled with so much love and devotion. Shirley’s eyes often sparkled whenever she spoke of her love for her ‘Joe’ - such a wonderful love story. Sincere condolences to all of the family. What a wonderful life, lived well. Read full message here.
I’d like to send my condolences to Shirley’s family on behalf of Williamstown Little Theatre. I had the pleasure of directing Shirley as the hilarious Miss Tweed in Something's Afoot in 1997 and she also appeared in Noel Coward in Two Keys and The Shoe-Horn Sonata. Shirley was greatly admired and respected at WLT. Read full message here.
To Joe, Theresa, Roxy, Vivian, Sharon, Lisa & David Our sincere condolences to you and your families on the passing of Shirley. What a beautiful tribute and service for her - thank you for sharing. Fond memories of attending many of her plays over the years. May she rest in peace. Heather, Graeme, Carolyn, Peter & Janet Read full message here.
Sincere condolences from our family. We had the pleasure of knowing Shirley over many years in various theatrical productions. Not only immensely talented but a truly delightful lady. She will be missed. Read full message here.
Oh I have just heard about dear Shirley’s passing. What a wonderful human and actress. I had the pleasure of directing her in The Shoehorn Sonata and appearing alongside her in A Skull in Connemara. So brilliant in both. A class act all the way. Rest well, dear Shirley and give that fabulous sister of yours a big kiss from me xx View full message
Chris Baldock