Mom died peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2019, 3 weeks shy of her 87th Birthday. She will be deeply missed by her loving children David (Lindsay), Doug (Emily), Catherine (Peter) and Bruce. Dear grandmother of Sarah, Paige, Andrew, Kirk, Cody, Thomas, Dylan, Isabella, Cameron and step grandmother to Madi. Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 30 years John Eaton aka “Fred”, She was the only child of her predeceased parents, Dr. Roy Reid DDS and Pearl Reid.
Shirley lived an active, full life. She raised 4 kids often playing the role of both Mom and Dad. She wasn’t afraid to swing a hammer or fire up the lawn mower, in fact that was when she was happiest. Shirley was an avid Bridge Player, she didn’t play “Kitchen Bridge” as she called it, she played competitive Duplicate. It was a huge part of her life. Jokingly we often called her “Drive by Grandma” because she always had something going on, some game to get to. She loved sports, she rarely missed a Jays game on TV or Radio. Right to the end she was talking about watching the Masters. She was an avid golfer at Islington Golf Club until the early 90’s a place where she spent countless hours with her friends. She was Club Champion in 1979 and cheered on her daughter Catherine to multiple Club Championships at Islington and later the Georgian Bay Club. Shirley and Catherine were the Ontario Mother and Daughter champions in 1981 a victory that topped all others in her distinguished golfing career.
Her skiing career was cut short after catching a T-bar in the head by “Lady Bryce”. At least that’s what she told us. Instead of skiing she would often be found in the race hut at the bottom of the hill with “Annie”, Shirley was on the mic calling the races and Annie was the score keeper. In addition to her work with Junior racing Mom was the first “editor” of the “Peaks Periodical” She was also a staunch supporter of the Lively Cup festivities in the 60’s and 70’s.
Bruce Beach and Kincardine Ontario were the places she loved the most. Spending summers at the cottage, tending to her gardens, and visiting her many friends gave her the most joy. Most Saturday evenings during the summer she would make the trip to town with someone in tow to see the “pipers” march down Main Street. After she would grab an ice cream from “Sniffles” usually with a grandkid in tow. Pine River United Church was an important part of Shirley’s life… thank you to Minister Vicki Johnson for her kindness and support. Shirley will be deeply missed by her many friends especially Marilyn McKeeman and Lucille Fisher who supported her right to the final bell. Thank you to the staff of Malcolm Place for their care and support especially Nurse Mary.
We are having two celebrations for Shirley. One will be held at Islington Golf Club (45 Riverbank Dr., Etobicoke, ON M9A 5B8) on Tuesday April 23rd from 4-7 and the other at Bruce Beach with the date and location being announced in the summer.
If so wished, donations may be made to the Pine River United Church and can be made through the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home by calling 519-396-2701.