Shirra has over 40 years in the administration field. She was elected in Grade 11 and 12 as the "School Liaison/Beauty Co-Ordinator" to work at the Hudson's Bay Co. in Winnipeg. She then graduated and moved to BC where she worked in the clerical field for various companies over the years. She kept climbing the ladder, and worked for the Coquitlam RCMP for 10 years where she had Top Secret clearance as the Officer-in-Charge Secretary.

Shirra then moved to Alberta in 1985 where she first worked part-time for Turner Valley RCMP until government cutbacks. From there, Shirra worked 10 years for a man at Titan Industrial Contractors, which later became a management position in the Procurement and Expediting field at Nordic Engineering until the business was sold. At this time, Shirra decided she wanted to retire, but soon found she became bored and started to look for something to "dapple her fingers in".

As she had been buying Mary Kay products for 29 years, was tired of having to look for a new consultant every time she moved, she decided this might be a good fit for her. She signed up in 2004. She first started the business on a part-time basis, as her husband needed her to work at his insurance business as he was short of staff. It was supposed to be a two week position, but that turned into 2 years until he retired.Shirra then went into Mary Kay full time, became a Director with 51 ladies on her team and has been doing the business ever since. She enjoys teaching ladies how to look after their skin, and watching their pleased expressions when she does a "full glamour" session.

She has adult children - 1 son, 1 stepson, and 2 stepdaughters, who have given her 8 beautiful grandchildren (7 granddaughters and 1 grandson).