Shirley E. Richardson

December 31, 1926 - April 29, 2012

Shirley passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 29th at North York General Hospital. She was born in Toronto on New Year's Eve, 1926 to parents Edward L. and Elsie M. (nee Whales) Norman. She graduated from Lawrence Park Collegiate before moving on to post-secondary courses in Theatre and Library studies. She married Gordon M. Richardson in 1947. She contributed to charitable efforts as an active member of the I.O.D.E. Canada in the 1950's and also belonged to the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club. Her interests in later years ranged from collecting art to caring for her numerous beloved pet cats. For over sixty years she was a wonderful homemaker committed to her five children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren as her life's work. Carrying herself with graceful elegance throughout, she continued to love us all at our best and worst while bestowing her unique blend of guidance both firm and gentle. Our Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother now watches over us from another place while living on forever in our hearts. Loved and already missed by her children David Richardson, Gordon (spouse Chris) Richardson, Catherine (spouse Joe) Bolla, Patricia Clare and Charles Richardson, grandchildren Allie, Jason, Jessica, Jillian, Katie, Megan, Sarah and Taunya, and great grandchildren Mackenzie and Sophie. She is survived by her sister Barbara (spouse Joe) Paterson, nieces Susan and Pamela and nephew Peter. At her request, the family will hold private services. The family wishes to thank all the practitioners and caregivers who attended to her during her final time with us. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the North York General Hospital Foundation by contacting 416-756-6944 or nyghfoundation.ca.