This obituary is for a very loved mom, step-mom, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. A lover of life, travel, good wine, and great food. Shirley was pre-deceased by two devoted husbands, Laurie (1977) and Peter (2013).

She was a woman before her time. A working mom in the 1950s, our mom raised us to be independent, courageous, and compassionate. She was never shy about giving you her opinion, and loved a good "bun throwing row" about politics at the dinner table. We always knew where we stood with her, and it was this fierce love of us, and of right and wrong, that cemented our devotion to her.

Her grandchildren have fond memories of crazy road trips, high teas and dress up parties. Any event that she hosted had lively music and dancing, dancing, dancing. She would have made a great dance partner to Fred Astaire.

Our sweet mom lived life with the pedal to the medal, until Alzheimer's dealt her a plot twist none of us ever expected. She was tenderly cared for with love and compassion by the staff at Extendicare Lakefield, Stoney Wing. We are eternally grateful to them, and for all the stories of her wit and sense of humour. The comfort and kindness you bestowed to her family, in her final days, will never be forgotten.

She will be greatly missed by her family, surviving sisters and friends. We take comfort in knowing she is gathered around the picnic table on the beach, a glass of fine wine in hand, with all who have passed before her.

Aquamation entrusted to Ashburnham Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at Rosemount Memorial Gardens in Peterborough at a later date. If you wish, a memorial donation to Lakefield Extendicare Resident Council in Shirley's name would be greatly appreciated.

"A mom's hug lasts long after she lets go."