Obituary of Shirley George

In Loving Memory

Mrs. Shirley Jean George (nee: Brown) passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Simcoe Heritage Retirement Home. This was her newly adopted home she really loved living in because of the wonderful, caring staff and residents for the past 3 years. Her family would like to especially thank Dave, and the entire staff, for their efforts and dedication in the last 3 weeks of her life which made her passing so much more comfortable. Survived by her children; Michael (Alexandra), Jennifer and Patrick (Jennifer); grandchildren Meaghan (Josh), Margaret (Michael), Nick (Jill), Jordan, Joseph (Chelsey), Sarah (Brendon), Eddie, Nathan, Daniel, Will, Owen, Liam, Katie, Amina, Hassen and special grandchild Majd and great-grandchildren William, Frederick, Solomon, Cecilia, Wallace, Caden, Jordan, Madeline, Jack, Izabelle, Oliver; nieces and nephews; Lynn (Clay), Rob (Trudy), Jim (Erick), Heather (Brent), Rae Marie, Gabrielle (Albert) and  Carla, Glen (Wilma) and her daughter-in-law Maria. Predeceased by her husband Bruce; children Lesley Carol, Mary Ellen and Matthew Fraser; brothers Peter and Keith (Alice); brother-in-law Eric (Merle), Allan (Bernice); niece Allanah, nephew Dale and grandson Tyler and daughter-in-law Theresa Lynn. Shirley was born in 1935, grew up in Meaford Ontario where she played volleyball and basketball in high school and was in the bugle band while working part time at Brown's Restaurant and serving ice cream at the local drug store. She studied Nursing at Brantford General Hospital and worked at Norfolk General Hospital. Married in 1957 on the base at Petawawa to Bruce, they embarked on a world-wide adventure as a military couple in a time when international travel was not common. One stop included an accidental foray into East Germany on a New Year's Eve in 1957. During these years as an officer's wife, Mom learned how to ride horses, play tennis and bridge. They lived in Germany, Antigonish, Ghana, and Meaford before Dad left the military. They settled in Delhi for the next 60 years. During her life in Delhi, she experienced many joys and tragedies. She became actively involved in the church life of St. John de Brebeuf, being a long-time member of the choir, and the Catholic Women's League. She held many positions in the CWL and served as president of the London Diocesan Council, and of the Ontario Provincial Council, as well as some executive positions at the National Council. She was a member of the Right to Life.  She raised money for the United Way and the March of Dimes. She worked at the polling stations during elections with Dad. Together with her daughter-in-law, Dr. Alexandra Bain, Mom worked on an annual Celebration of Faith in Diversity at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. There she helped Catholic women to build close relationships with women from the city’s Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Indigenous and other faith communities. She also strongly supported Alex in her work with the organization Families Against Violent Extremism (FAVE). For her outstanding service to her community, Mom was awarded citizen of the year in 1986. Mom was also awarded a special medal from the Pope for her years of faithful service. Through all her involvement she pretty much knew everyone and something about everyone who lived in Delhi. If you needed an update on how someone was doing, she was the person to ask. During her life there, she unfortunately lost her daughter Mary Ellen and her parents in a tragic drunk driving accident on Christmas Day 1971 and Jennifer was seriously hurt. She became a spokesperson for Citizens Against Drunk Driving in the years after the accident. She had numerous speaking engagements at high schools, public meetings and in prison settings. Years later she would also lose her son Fr. Matthew George in another auto accident. A lifelong learner and adventurer, Mom graduated in the 70's with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, she took courses in reupholstery, leather work, German and assorted other classes. Mom's life involved many tours of the globe. From Europe in the late 50's to visit Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, to again in the early 60's with family including a camper van tour of England, Scotland, and Ireland.  There were extended stays in Holland, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, as well as an extended walking tour of Germany from Stuttgart to Rotenberg and back and another stay in Switzerland in the 1970.  She was so glad to continue more trips over the pond visiting Croatia in 2010 and again in 2016. To top it all off when she hit 80 she decided to drive to Whitehorse to visit her son Matthew.  We will always remember her as a true adventurer. Friends may call at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) for visitation on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and for CWL Prayers said at 3:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, Delhi on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Interment in Delhi Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Save a Family, London, Ontario would be appreciated. This was a favourite charity of Mom's.