Shirley became a war widow in 2024 after the death of her husband, Peter. Peter served 21 years in the Australian Regular Army as an Infantry Soldier, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two. He served in Malaya, Borneo and South Vietnam, and was awarded campaign and service medals along with the Infantry Combat Badge. Shirley and Peter met in 1977 when he locked himself out of his car, and Shirley, who lived nearby, lent him a coat hanger. It was love at first sight from that moment and from that day they built a life together. After 45 years engaged, they married on Peter’s 80th birthday, a lasting testament to their enduring love.
Shirley became a War Widow on 17/05/24 after her husband Peter was fatally injured falling from his roof 5 days earlier. Peter served 21 years in the Australian Regular Army as an Infantry Soldier attaining the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2). Peter served in Malaya, Borneo and South Vietnam and was awarded campaign and service medals and the Infantry Combat Badge. Peter and Shirley met in July 1977 when Peter was a WO2 and locked himself out of his vehicle. Shirley, who lived nearby, lent him a coat hanger and it was love at first sight from that moment. Peter and Shirley lived together and were engaged for 45 years. To prove their love of each other was strong and enduring they married on Peter’s 80th Birthday.