THOMPSON, Shirley Merle (nee Firth)

October 25, 1925 - October 24, 2021

Shirley passed away peacefully at home at Amica Whitby Retirement Residence. Loving wife of the late Alan Arthur Thompson (2011), devoted and cherished mother of Barbara and Timothy (Karmel “Kim”) Thompson, predeceased by her parents Pearl Agnes Shropshire and Daniel Garfield Firth and her siblings Garfield, Ruby, Fern, Mervin, Grant, Bill and Laverne, fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Rose Firth and by many nieces and nephews. Shirley was born in Proton Township, grew up in Newmarket, and moved to Toronto for work as a secretary before, during and after World War II. She married Al in 1952, moved to Oshawa when Al took a position at General Printers and to raise their family. Shirley worked in Oshawa originally as a secretary at The Pedlar People, and later, after her children were older, for Office Overload which lead finally to many happy years working in the City Clerk’s office at Oshawa City Hall. Shirley enjoyed her volunteer work at Lakeridge Health Centre in Oshawa in her retirement. Both Shirley and Al enjoyed active membership for many years at King Street, now Kingsview United Church where Shirley was well known for her beautiful soprano singing voice in the choir. In retirement, Shirley and Al loved to travel, play bridge and host family and friends at home or at the cottage on Balsam Lake where a toast of “Cheers My Love” was a daily ritual before dinner. Shirley was a great cook, a lover of dessert and a wonderful friend to many. Shirley’s spirit, love of family and quiet courage are treasured legacies for her family. Special thanks to Amica Whitby staff for supporting Shirley’s active and independent life for over ten years, Dr. Ted Cait for his sincere dedication to Shirley’s health and wellness and to Reverend Sue Genge, Kingsview United Church, for spiritual support and friendship. Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON CEMETERY & FUNERAL CENTRE, 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, (South of Taunton Road and off of Dryden Blvd., 905-579-6787). A celebration of Shirley’s life is planned for spring/summer of 2022. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Shirley’s memory, if so desired, to the charity of your choice would be appreciated