Shirley Carmichael

Shirley Gail Carmichael (nee Lowson), a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on September 20, 2026, in her 92nd year leaving behind a lifetime of memories, family traditions, love, and artistry.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Oliver, her parents, Andy and Sybil Lowson, her brothers Cliff (Barb), Jim (Jo) and Stu (Peggy/Sandra).

Shirley leaves behind her children Doug (Beth), Janet (Ken), Susan (Dan) and Laurie (Rich), and her grandchildren Hailey, Morgan, Simon, Evelyn, Finlay and Frances and many nieces and nephews.

Born on October 15, 1934, in Verdun, Quebec, Shirley lived a long and meaningful life that touched the lives of so many others.

She was a forever-educator as an elementary school teacher and an artist who continued finding new ways to learn, create and inspire. She found joy in learning and creativity throughout her life, exploring many different types of art and craft. Many friends and family have a cherished piece of Shirley’s art, a painting, Swedish weaving, or one of her unconventional felted creations. This even included one of the doctors from a recent hospital stay who came back to share sweetly that others were jealous of his watercolour painting from Shirley.

She loved to play games – basketball when she was a teenager (which took her across the ocean to play in Europe), board games with her grandchildren (she would always play to win), and endless hours of bridge with her friends at the Sumach.

As the wife of a United Church minister, she was often called into service as Sunday School teacher, vacation bible school leader, choir member and reader in church. She had a deep faith in God that was rooted in love, acceptance and the welcoming of others from all beliefs. She never missed an opportunity to chat with anyone in her path – to the occasional embarrassment of her children – be it in a Tim Hortons, on a Toronto streetcar, or every elevator ride. She lived a life of love, generosity, kindness and joy.

Her work with the church brought her to a variety of places across Quebec: Thetford Mines, Hemmingford, New Richmond, Ormstown, and St. Bruno. We know she brought joy and made a difference in all of those places.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in honour of Shirley, please consider Nourish East End.

(nourisheastend.ca)