Obituary of Shirley Mary Grace

It is with profound sadness but much love that we announce the passing of Shirley Grace on June 25, 2023, surrounded by family and the extraordinary staff at the St. Josephs Hospice in London Ontario. Beloved wife of Donal Grace for 68 years, Shirley lived life to the fullest. She was kept busy organizing social events, trips and gatherings for a growing family and a wide circle of friends. She never missed a birthday, graduation, or significant event for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family or closest friends – of whom there were many. If faced with a month without an excuse for a party, she would invent one. Statutory holidays, swim meets and golf tournaments topped the list. Family card games were typically held at decibel levels that alarmed neighbors. Her only regret in life was that she wasn’t born a Newfoundlander. She considered it a place where she felt truly at home. Shortly after her passing a major thunderstorm moved through southern Ontario. It is the family’s belief that upon reaching the pearly gates, Shirley had a frank discussion with the staff there about who would be in charge of social events from here on in. The thunder was no doubt God’s frustration in knowing he had lost the argument before it started. There is no hope of stopping Shirley when she’s ready to organize a party. Shirley is survived by her husband Donal, children Chuck (Karen), Donna (Dave) and Cathy (Jeff), grandchildren Stacey, Jeffrey (Elspeth), Kevin (Kat), Ben and Keshia and great grandchildren Jessica, Molly, Emerson, Beckett, Hudson and Gwenyth. She was predeceased by her father Eldrick, mother Janet and daughter Sharon. A private celebration of life will be held with immediate family in the near future. In lieu of flowers we would encourage memorial donations to the St. Joseph’s Hospice of London (www.sjhospicelondon.com/donate-now).