She's been described as a stalwart of the community, a local identity and a Waihi icon.
She won a Queen's Service Medal in 2008 for her contribution to her community, and the Hauraki District Council Citizen's Award in 2006. She played a key part in setting up Waihi Community Marae, was Waihi Girl Guides Association secretary for 15 years, a Justice of the Peace and a marriage celebrant.
Shirley Spurr was the secretary-treasurer of the Waihi Community Marae for about 30 years, organising the rebuild of the whole-community (not tribal) marae in the 1980s after its predecessor was destroyed by fire.
The project continued with the completion of the wharekai in 1990, the wharenui in 1999, and the manuhiri shelter in 2006.
Such was here communal respect that both on and off the marae Mrs Spurr became known as "Aunty Shirley", and her women's clothing store in the town became known as the unofficial citizens' advice bureau.