Shirley Galbraith

Shirley Galbraith (née Knight) died peacefully on January 7, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her husband, Al Galbraith, in 2016, Shirley lived a full and happy life with Al and their daughters, Susan, Lisa (Don McLean) and Anne (Colin Ross). Born in Dutton, Ontario, she later adopted city life in Toronto like no other, thriving on everything it had to offer. Shirley was an active volunteer and had a lifelong love of the arts, devoting many hours to organizations such as The Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada Blooms, The Garden Club, The Herb Society, The Granite Club and Friends of the Visual Arts, among others. She boasted about her luck in collecting a fabulous group of friends in life and kept in close contact throughout her time. An elegant woman, known for her gentle manner and kind words, Shirley possessed an innate sense of style, evident in everything she touched from fashion to decor. Her friends quipped about how well put together she was, having a pair of shoes and handbag for every outfit. A self-professed poor ‘joke teller’, her stories unfailingly made everyone laugh without hesitation. Family was everything to Shirley, and she adored her grandchildren, Lindsay and Mitchell McLean, Nicholas, Jazzy and Kit Ross; and great-grandson, Theo who arrived in 2018. In the early years, the Galbraith home was the centre of lively gatherings with friends, often on the player piano late into the night, endless games of pool and a nightcap of scotch on the rocks. After building their chalet in Horseshoe Valley in 1975, Shirley and Al moved the celebrations north, cherishing winter weekends with their daughters and eventually all of the grandchildren. Skiing, and time together made for an exceptional loving family story. Shirley welcomed every chalet visitor with open arms, working tirelessly preparing gourmet meals and making sure that everyone was happy. Shirley will be deeply missed - her engaging personality, kind and generous heart, impeccable sense of style, ‘nexus walker’ dance moves and her enthusiastic “yes” to every invitation, never forgotten. “Mom,” you had a life well lived!

The family is profoundly grateful for the care and compassion Shirley received at The Dunfield Retirement Residence, particularly during her final months. Condolences may be made through
www.mountpleasantgroup.com/ obituaries-services.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 4 p.m- 6 p.m on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto.