Please add the photo below to my message.

Aunt Shirley  both embraced and rejected convention. She seemed to need to be married, and get married often. She enjoyed the conventionality of marriage, even though it sometimes proved to be not such a great idea for her.  Her kids called her Liz Taylor for good reason. Newly married for the first time, I recall her valiant effort with Jello mold salads; a homemaker challenge of the early 1960s.  I recall our father laughing about her fish shaped Jello mold salads.  In 1971,  I stayed with her family after my father/her older brother’s sudden death.  We together bought a sensational new book titled ‘All you ever wanted to know about sex but didn’t have the nerve to ask’ (which was considered quite risque at the time).  We read and discussed.  She (age 29)was open to and respected my almost 15 year old self and my views and questions.  

In the 1970s her life took an unconventional turn.  She was bold and brave.  I was in awe of the former church girl.  She made a difference in the world.  I would like to think that she inspired her children to be bold and brave as well.

Later she met a guy with a bike and joined a suburban motorcycle club.  They married in a park, with the wedding isle formed by the bikes of their club and a picnic table for the alter. Her kids escorted her to the alter.  Her wedding dress was culotte style, and I will never forget her riding off on the back of her partner’s bike, her veil flying out underneath her motorcycle helmet.  
Also, she pierced her navel for her 40th birthday, inspiring me to do the same.  There were long periods of time when we were not in contact.  Families are like that.  When I saw her, I also saw my father. They had the same laugh, and same sense of humour.   Shirley was a smart, thoughtful and thoroughly decent person. She adored her kids, even though she sometimes needed to prioritize her own needs (as our own mother did).  She could be a great deal of fun.  I will miss her.

Shirley, I’ll always remember you as a feisty lady, with determination. Our talks, shopping and tea talks. The smile on your face will be forever in my mind! 

I may have met Shirley when I was a child, a long time ago. I do, however, remember Lillian as my favourite cousin. My deepest sympathy to Shirley's close family as they grieve.

I am so grateful to have met you Shirley. The first meeting we had was a long phone conversation and I quickly realized how strong you were so selfless,so caring  such a beautiful, colorful person. We share our registered nurse commrodery and I'm thankful for the conversations that we had. I will remember you as a spirited fighter a leader and loving mom to Sharon.

From the moment I met Shirley, she welcomed me into her heart. That was the way she lived her life. Shirley was kind and loving.  She reached out to those she felt were in need, requiring very little in return. She taught me that being a strong woman meant being compassionate. Thank you Shirley. I love you. 

I loved going to restaurants with Shirley because she NEVER finished her meal. I could always count on finishing hers 🥰

Shirley was always up for an adventure. I'm glad to have been able to join her on some of them. Here she is at Area 54. 

The Wills/Lear family(William Wills, William Lear and Wanda Lear) send our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in their time of loss. Shirley will be greatly missed by everyone she touched throughout her life. She did an amazing job of raising her daughter Sharon who is my co-worker. Sharon is an amazing person that I am blessed to know on a personal level as well as a working level. I'm grateful Shirley brought Sharon into this world and therefore into my life as well. 

Shirley was my Mother Lillian's baby sister. There were 12 years between them and 12 years between Shirley and I. Shirley Loved me as a Baby and was my confidant as a teen, and a supporter in adult life. Late-life we have helped each other. Most of the time I have been in her good books/ not always but she has always been My Aunt and I Loved her. Cathy Clarkson

Shirley may have been legally blind in her final years but she always had a sparkle in her eye.   Her kindness and appreciation of others  was exemplary.    She loved her family and was very proud of them.   In particular she was close to her daughter Sharon and grandson Michael who cherished her and managed her needs to provide love and care.  Shirley had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and will work willingly, close by His side, to serve others .   May you rest in peace my friend.   

Our condolences to the family.  We knew Shirley for the short time that she lived in Brantford, but we are happy to have had the chance to get to know her, love her and share some times together at church.
Sincerely,
John and Carol Sillars


I remember see Shirley at the retirement home here in Brantford to give her scarment and share a spiritual thought

Shirley was always thinking more of others and less of herself. I remember her telling me once that she was so very happy that the Lord had brought Bob into her life but with a smile said 'I didn't think it would be this hard'. It wasn't a complaint, just a statement of the way things were when Bob's memory was declining. No, Shirley did not complain or think of herself, she just got on with it and asked what we could do for Bob. She wanted him to be able to attend church and to build up friendships and relationships with other church members.




To know my mom touched so many life's in complete ^ Shirley^ fashion gives me such a comfort and a sense of complete pride as her daughter. She gave of herself so selflessly with a geniune heart. My life is so much more rewarded in so many ways that no words could ever capture. 
You are walking with the angels now Mom and I know in my heart you will continue to guide me always. 

Shirley (Mom)
You touched my heart the first time I met you. We had many laughs in all the car rides we took together.  You were like the mother I always wanted and I loved you as if you were my own Mom. You will be greatly missed. Love you,

OBITUARY

Shirley Anne Gauthier

5 January, 1942 – 4 April, 2022

Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel

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