In memory of

Shirley Ruth Rowatt

January 21, 1942 -  January 2, 2025

It’s with sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Shirley Ruth Rowatt, age 82. Mom was a devoted mother and passionate educator who valued family and friendship. She filled each of her years with energy and faced life with strength, resilience and pride. She is known for her love of children, her joy of gardening and her desire to lead by example.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Gavin, Kirsten and Peter (MacIntyre), and Chad Rowatt and Meg (King). She deeply valued and loved her grandchildren and their partners: Ryan and Ashley MacIntyre, Brittany MacIntyre and Alex Ciccone and Alanna MacIntyre and Brandon Bentley. Survived by her brother, Bruce Humpries, her step-sister Susan Vasey and her brother and sister-in-law Bob and Karen Youell (nee Rowatt). Predeceased by Charles Roland Rowatt and her parents Winnifred and Donald Humphries.

Shirley enjoyed sharing in the lives of nieces and nephews: Andy Humpries, Debbie Watson (nee Humphries), Ryan and Connie Youell, and Mikel and Laura Pearce. Shirley has laughed, cried, loved and been loved. Our personal memories and deep connection to her as we’ve shared in these moments, will live on. We will cherish the time we had with her.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, January 25th at PINE HILLS FUNERAL CENTRE, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, On, M1K 1R1 at 2:00 p.m. with Visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. A burial and reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish, donations in Shirley’s name can be made to the Red Door Family Shelter (https://www.reddoorshelter.ca) or to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org)

Guestbook 

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Margo Ratsep (Colleague and personal friend for fifty years)

Entered January 10, 2025

It is difficult to express what Shirley’s friendship has meant to me, from my earliest years as a teacher at Secord School in East York, to our shared experiences as school administrators with the Toronto District School Board. She was a wonderful role model, balancing her no-nonsense honesty with empathy and humour, her seemingly endless energy with a drive for excellence, and her innate intelligence with curiosity and common sense. She loved her family deeply and was a loyal friend. I shall miss her more than I can say.

Jennifer Alexander (Friend)

Entered January 11, 2025 from Toronto

I was very sad to hear of Shirley’s passing. We played Bridge on Mondays for a number of years. Bridge was new to me but Shirley was always ready to explain and coach as we went along. She loved playing Bridge and hosting at her home on Pape Ave. always providing a lovely array of treats for the rest of us! Covid came along and we were unable to get together in person but did try to keep up playing on our devices. I hadn’t seen Shirley in quite a while but will never forget those Mondays playing bridge with her! My condolences to all her family and friends. Regards, Jennifer Alexander

Joan Taylor (friend from Secord days)

Entered January 11, 2025 from Toronto

Shirley was a very professional organized person especially when teaching (Secord days) As well she enjoyed and participated in the staff laughter and comradery. She was a part of the group who headed to the Florida Sunshine for a number of years when we first retired-there was plenty of laughter , shopping and fun times there too. A special person who is missed.

Simon (A good friend of Gavin’s)

Entered January 14, 2025 from Toronto

Gavin and Family,
Signing a guestbook isn’t the best way to express my condolences.
These things are never easy but better days are ahead no matter how dark they may appear today.

Margaret Kegel (Friend)

Entered January 22, 2025 from Toronto

I'll never forget the wonderful day trips I enjoyed with Shirley and Joyce. She was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed. My condolences to all the family.

Photos 

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