Shirley Jamieson

Shirley Louise Jamieson (Hoole) had many chapters in her 96 year life. With over 35,000 days to work with, Shirley managed to be a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, nana, friend, executive secretary, single mother, homemaker, artisan, entrepreneur, retiree, baker, homeowner, gardener, babysitter, neighbour, and an expert complimenter.

Born in Lindsay, Ontario on May 30th, 1928 to Treva Thirsa Hoole (Eade) and Victor James Hoole, Shirley was Ken’s sister and soon became the middle child after the arrival of Ron. The family moved to Toronto with Victor’s job at the CN Railway, settling in Parkdale - High Park. Shirley went to Fern Avenue Public School and graduated from Western Commerce. She worked in a series of secretarial roles, eventually becoming an executive secretary to company presidents. Her impressive shorthand skills were used almost her whole life, whether it was taking minutes in a meeting or writing down recipes from TV programs.

Shirley had 3 children with James Russell: Sharon Lee Russell, Dianne Louisa Russell (Ken Black), and (James) Brian Russell. When she married (Thomas) Murray Jamieson in 1964, she added step-daughters Norma (Eric Bradley) and Betty (Cece Jesseau) to her world. With 5 teenagers in the house and a full-time job, she ran an organized operation, sometimes cooking two different dinners to account for differing tastes.

Eventually, grandchildren came along making Shirley a grandmother in her mid-40s. Choosing not to be a ‘grandma,’ Shirley was Nannie to Treva (Jordon) and Joseph, Rob and Leanne, and Scott, as well as Nana to Michelle (Dan) and Chloe (Nick), Zoë (Jake) and Tessa.

Shirley was well known for her exceptional knitting skills. Her early retirement saw her knitting up a storm not only for family and friends but eventually for a very exclusive Yorkville boutique where her art sold for an impressive price. She set herself up as a small business and knitted for her own enjoyment (as well as the income) well into her 80s. For a while she taught interested neighbours to knit, further cementing her place in the Queensdale/Springdale community.

While Shirley always had a kind word for people, her complimenting skills really took off in her later years. She charmed many of the nurses, clinical assistants, and doctors at St. Michael’s Hospital with her positive thoughts on their scrubs, their hair, their glasses, their eyes.

Shirley passed away on August 19th, 2024 after a short illness: her 35,146th day.

A few years ago she was asked what her best birthday was: she thought for a moment and said “this one, because I’m still here.” Shirley always saw the positive around her and in that spirit, a celebration of Shirley's life will be held at Giffen-Mack and Toll Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Avenue, Toronto on Saturday October 26,2024, with a visitation from 1:00 PM -2:00 Pm Followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM.

Special thank-you to Dr.Camilla Wong at St. Michael's Hospital, our "Urban Angel."

Donations can be made in Shirley's memory to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, Sick Kids Foundation, or the Toronto Humane Society.