It is not very often in life you get to meet someone who, in the span of about 3 hours, can have such an impact on your life. But indeed, Shirley was one of those shining lights. She took our family pictures several years ago and not only did she capture the essence of who we were as a family, but she had this incredible gift of just making you feel at ease, natural. She also had a knack of almost becoming invisible when she was behind the lens, letting the moment take over and trusting her keen eye to pick out the most intimate of snapshots.
I have often received compliments on our family photos over recent years. Shirley is the one who captured so many of those special moments that will make us look back and smile for years to come. I will remember Shirley as a woman who captured more than just candid pictures... she captured life in it's truest moments. raw. beautiful. art in motion. Shirley, your beauty inside and out, as well as the many talents you shared with others will be remembered forever. An artist. A photographer. A beautiful spirit.
I worked with Shirley at Cognos for a while, but kept up with her afterwards, because she was the kind of person toward whom you'd naturally gravitate. I ran into her and Dan on Elgin Street after a race once, and of course she was toting a camera and took a few shots of me with my medal.
I have known Shirley since 1995. She was dating Dan when I started dating Larry. One of my favourite things about Shirley was her laugh. She had a great giggle and found the same things funny that I do. She was a creative, energetic, giving, caring and impulsive person. Her photography passion blossomed over the years and she made everyday things so beautiful. She had an artistic eye that exposed the beauty in everything. She captured unconditional love and friendship (animal and human) through her camera lenses.
Dec 1014 Mainstreeter Article written by Marni Kagan
Eva Cooper will never forget her first encounter with Shirley Bittner.
Three years ago, Bittner “bounced” into Delilah, Cooper’s new fashion store for women in the Glebe, with her blonde curls and a camera around her neck.
I worked with Shirley at Cognos for a while, but kept up with her afterwards, because she was the kind of person toward whom you'd naturally gravitate. I ran into her and Dan on Elgin Street after a race once, and of course she was toting a camera and took a few shots of me with my medal.
Eva Cooper will never forget her first encounter with Shirley Bittner.