Shirley Wood

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Victoria (MacDonald) Wood on October 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Shirley's life was one of simplicity, love, and resilience—qualities that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Born in Cornwall, Ontario, Shirley dreamed of being a singer, a mother, and a housewife. She worked as a beloved barmaid in some of Cornwall’s iconic taverns of the times, including the Warf and the Northway Hotel. She was a brilliant card player and won many Euchre tournaments over her lifetime. Her journey was marked by life's unexpected challenges, including the difficult decision to give her first child, Louise De Stefano, up for adoption 72 years ago, due to the pressures of being a single parent in the 1950s.

Shirley later married Walter High and was blessed with four sons, each of whom she wished could have been the daughter she once gave away. In 1983, Louise found her way back to Cornwall, and the family was reunited as a family of five siblings. Despite the hardships of this transition, Shirley’s remaining children are grateful for the family they have become.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Charles (Hami) MacDonald and Corrine Beaudin; her sons Michael High and Robert (Bobbie) High; and brother-in-law Raymond Brisebois.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Louise (Tortorelli) De Stefano and Richard De Stefano, Sr. of NYC; John and Martie (Klienhans) High of Long Sault; and Dave and Kelli-Ann Baker High of Waterdown. She also leaves behind her sister, Eileen (MacDonald) Brisebois,

Her grandchildren include Jessica (De Stefano) Kimmel, Michael Kimmel with great-grandchildren Vincent and Vita, Michelle (De Stefano) Hernandez with Lucia and Gianna, Gina (De Stefano) Garcia with great-grandchildren Antonio and Nico, Richard De Stefano Jr. Maria (Starna) De Stefano with great-grandson Luciano, grandchildren Kevin High, and Rachel High, Wyatt Luscomb, and lastly her closest and most loved grandchild Nikala (High) Paul with great grandson Elijah Paul, as well as numerous, nieces, and nephews

A visitation will be held at Lahaie & Sullivan Funeral Home, 20 Seventh St W, Cornwall, Ontario, on Friday, October 10th at 2:00 PM, with a memorial service following at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association of Canada