One of the most recognizable faces in the province in the 1970s and 80s has passed away. Shirley Newhook, who was best known for her show Coffee Break on CBC TV passed on the weekend.

She tackled many topics considered controversial in the day, and would often be the choice appearance for big names coming to town; people like Margaret Trudeau, wife of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau at the time. Daughter Sue Newhook, who also became a journalist, says Coffee Break was a passion for her. The show enjoyed a long run of 17 years.

Well into the 2000s, Shirley ran into people who were still using their souvenir coffee mugs from appearances on her show. In later years, she went back to her newspaper roots with a weekly column in The Telegram. She also volunteered for scores of committees, events, and boards over the years.

Sue says despite the bulging appointment diary, her long workday never got in the way of family commitments.

Plans for a church service and celebration of life will be announced soon.

View the obituary via Carnell’s funeral home at this link.