Shirley Margaret Culp

1930-2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Shirley Margaret Culp. Shirley passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the age of 95, with her loved ones by her side.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Lester Culp. She was also predeceased by her parents, Vera and Murray Cosby; her brothers, Don Cosby (Anna), Allan Cosby (Dorothy), Walter Cosby and Elgin Cosby (Joyce); and her sisters, Muriel Empey (Harve) and Isabelle Millward (Rikk). Shirley is survived by her sister, Bonnie Roynon (the late Jim), and her brother, Bruce Cosby (the late Lorraine) and her sister-in-law Norma Cosby.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Lester Culp (Carolyn), Ronald Culp (Sherri), Christopher Culp (Linda), Judy Culp, Tammy Koabel (David), and Creig Culp (Penny), as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and extended friends and family.

Shirley came from a large, loving family of eleven and grew up on a farm where the workload was great and never-ending. She survived polio at the age of eight and developed a lifelong love of flowers. At approximately seventeen years of age, she began her career as a florist at Arlies in Port Colborne by simply walking in and asking, “Do you have a job for me?” While working at Arlies, Shirley attended classes at the University of Guelph. She later accepted a position at Dobbies Florist in Niagara Falls, where she met her future husband. After working at Dobbies, Shirley opened her own flower shop, Culp’s Florist, from her home in Chippawa while raising her children. She later completed her career working at Dane’s Florist in Niagara Falls.

Shirley took great pleasure in creating wedding flowers for her children, grandchildren, and many other family members. She was a hard worker and devoted mother who raised six children while maintaining a hobby farm that required many hours of dedication. Shirley was also a devoted member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Willoughby Firehall for many years.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Douglas Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care provided to Mom when she needed it most. Special thanks to Dr. Scher and the palliative care unit, along with a personal thank-you to Nurse Bernard, who always took special care of Mom and never failed to make her smile whenever he entered her room.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date. Williams Funeral Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Douglas Memorial Hospital and would be greatly appreciated by her family.