SHIRLEY MAY O'HARA

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I am so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a dear, lovely lady and I have missed her company since March 2020 when we had to lock down ... I had been so looking forward to her return. She was my check-in table buddy at our food bank ... and greeted our clients with compassion, care, and her heart. She greeted them as family, and would ask new fathers how the baby was doing, and made sure they were looking after the mom. She knew all of our regular clients by name, and if they missed one week, would check in with them the next time to make sure they were okay. Shirley was always there, no matter what the weather, unless she left the city to vacation, and I knew that I was on time when I saw her 'trucking' purposefully down the lane towards the church. And the clients knew her, always stopping to chat before leaving. Shirley was a devoted member of St James Anglican Church ... we gained her when St Patrick's and St Jude's folded ... baking, helping at all events: fall suppers, teas, bazaars, funerals ... acting as Sidesperson to greet arrivals to services. I am notorious for not attending regularly: Shirley would see me arrive: "well, Elizabeth, you must be either a reader or on coffee duty, because I'm the sidesperson" She was right. And sometimes, she'd see me arrive and greet me as if I was a new parishioner ... Shirley was a tease, and made people feel so comfortable and welcome. She was also my coffee partner for awhile ... and knew that I wouldn't arrive in time to prep before service, so we split the job and I did the cleanup. A very beloved member of her other family, her Anglican family at St James... both the Collegiate location and Heritage on Portage. I apologize for being so wordy ... but this was an important part of Shirley ... an example of her love for others, her way to brighten peoples' lives, if only in a small way: the clients, parishioners, guests .. all of our lives were impacted by Shirley, in a positive manner. She was loved ... and will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Elizabeth Bonnett (Friend) on: May 13, 2021

• Our deepest condolences to Shirley's Family. We have never met a nicer person. Pleasure to be with. A very caring lady. She will be missed. Cliff & June Cooke - Posted by: Cliff & June Cooke (Friend) on: May 10, 2021

• Richard, Scott and Bruce, I am saddened to hear of your Mom’s death. She was a very sweet and attentive aunt to all of us Grassbys. I appreciated her gentle and honest way of speaking. She always made us feel special when our Mom died. I hope that you are all comforted by the memories you have of your mom. We are there with you dear cousins in spirit remembering your Mom’s gentle spirit. Sincerely Janet Grassby. - Posted by: Janet Grassby Cholette (Neice) on: May 09, 2021

• Was always a fresh smile and happy thoughts at our food bank! Was very well liked by our clients, and many come to know her by first name only. Once COVID over and we get back to normal, a lot of people will be asking what happened. Very sorry to hear of passing :( - Posted by: Dale Windsor (Friend ) on: May 08, 2021