In memory of

Shirley Edna Baker

November 8, 1939 - November 23, 2021

Shirley Edna Baker (née Towndrow) passed away after a short battle with cancer. She was born in Calcutta, India in 1939 to Frederick and Wilhelmina. She is survived by her children Neil (Diane), Stacey and her two granddaughters Lauren and Alannah. She is predeceased by her late husband Stanley Baker.

Shirley attended an Irish girls school, Loretto Convent in Asansol, India and went on to her Senior Matriculation before receiving training as a secretary.

Shirley proudly immigrated to Canada in 1965 and enjoyed a career of over 30 years with the Ontario Public Service as an Executive Assistant before enjoying early retirement in 1999.

Those who knew Shirley acknowledged her attention to detail and her unique sense of humour. She had a penchant for gardening, especially her prized rose garden. Shirley's greatest treasures in life were her children and grandchildren, who kept her young at heart.

She will be greatly missed by many friends and family far and wide.

The family would like to thank the staff at Toronto General Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital for their care of Shirley during her illness.

A private service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made to one of Shirley’s charities of choice: The Scott Mission, Covenant House and the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

The family welcomes those who are not able to attend in person, to join the celebration virtually. You will be able to view the webcast live, or a recorded version. The video stream will be available on this website on Sunday November 28 at 10:45am.

Guestbook

(5 of 27)

Teresa Vasilopoulos (Friend of Stacey’s)

Entered November 25, 2021 from Toronto

Stacey, My dearest sympathy to you and the entire family on the passing of your mum. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Teresa

Tania Lubrin (Friend of daughter Stacey)

Entered November 25, 2021 from Brampton

I just wanted to send my sincere condolensces to Stacey and her family on the passing of her mother. May you find peace and know that my prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tania Lubrin and family.

Warren & Joanne Dumanski (Family Friend)

Entered November 25, 2021 from Pleasanton

Dear Rodgers family,

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Shirley.
We are certain that she is in the loving arms of God.
May God bless you all.

With love, Warren, Joanne and family.

Ania Kordiuk (Friend of Stacey's)

Entered November 27, 2021 from Toronto

My most heartfelt condolences to you, Stacey.
It’s never the right time to lose a parent, but I hope it is a comfort to know that your mother is now in peace. No doubt she was grateful to have you by her side for so many years. May fond memories of your mother be eternal.

Ania

Doug and Joan Peters (Family friends from Calcutta and Toronto)

Entered November 27, 2021 from Toronto, Canada

Dear Neil/Diane/family and Stacey,

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you on the passing of Mum and Grandma Shirley. Our friendship goes back many, many years to even when Grandpa and Grandma Towndrow were with you all. We enjoyed many a good laugh and shared sadness too.

May we all remember Shirley as a good person, mother and grandmother and may the good Lord, in His mercy, embrace her and lead her to life everlasting.

Sincere blessings to you all at this difficult time.

Joan and Doug Peters