Obituary

We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved mother Shirley on December 12, 2025 in Mount Forest (a former resident of Malton, ON for more than 70 years). Shirley was the loving wife of Wilfred (predeceased), and cherished mother of Colleen Johnson (Eugene), Bert (Judy), Susan, Nancy (Bryan Perdue) and Julieanne (Marni Barrow). She was much loved by her six grandchildren, Sarah, Patrick, Wilfred, Kevin, Matthew and Luke, and adored by her 10 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Alex and Lydia (nee Stewart), and her siblings Lloyd (Leona), Betty (Tom Brassard), Robert (Vilda), she is survived by her brother Rick (Brenda) Bond of Malton and many adoring nieces and nephews. Shirley was born in Woodbridge and grew up in Malton. She was a determined and strong woman who was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour. As a teenager, her good grades made it possible to volunteer as a Farmerette, spending a summer in Thedford, ON, weeding onions and helping with other farm chores. The highlight of this first adventure away from home were the friendships she encountered and the pride she felt contributing to the war effort.  Being exempted from having to write her final high school exams was also pretty exciting. Upon her return to Malton, she worked at AV Roe. After marrying Wilf in 1948, she spent many years with the Ladies Auxiliary Legion Branch 528, serving time as President. In recognition of her dedicated service, Shirley was awarded a Lifetime Membership. She took up golf when Dad retired in 1975. They enjoyed a summer spot at Pike Lake for many years together. In 2002, Mom made a permanent move to Mount Forest where she played a great game of golf at Pike Lake, enjoyed bowling and euchre and her weekly Buck and a Quarter card games with the Mount Forest ladies and a very competitive game of cribbage until just recently. Shirley volunteered at the local thrift shop until her independence was curtailed rather abruptly due to her failing eyesight. She sometimes lamented on how difficult it was not being able to see, but she never felt sorry for herself. She found joy in her garden, growing tomatoes, beans and cucumbers and an abundance of beautiful perennials, and she delighted in the hummingbirds and orioles that were often at her birdfeeders. Mom’s pickled eggs at Christmas were greatly anticipated by those who were lucky enough to be gifted a jar and her butter tarts, coconut tarts and steak and kidney pies were legendary. Although she will be greatly remembered for these things, it is her strength, courage, kindness and her unwavering support in all that we, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren accomplished that we will whole-heartedly miss. She was a very proud Mom, Granny and GG. Cremation has taken place and Shirley will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Glendale Memorial Gardens, Etobicoke. A celebration of life will be held on January 24, 2026 at the Mount Forest Legion, 140 King Street West, Mount Forest, from 1:00pm till 4:00pm with memories being shared at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the CNIB or Cancer Patient Services (Mount Forest Thrift Shop) would be appreciated by the family. Donations and online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com