Shirley Townshend

Mrs. Shirley Townshend (nee Eccles)
February 11, 1928 - July 11, 2023

Shirley died peacefully on July 11, 2023, in her 96th year, at Wenleigh Long-Term Care home in Mississauga, Ontario in the loving arms of her family. She was a loving daughter to her parents Tom and Christine Eccles, leaving school early to help support the family in the years following the Great Depression. She deeply loved her late husband Donald Francis Townshend and we have no doubt that he was waiting anxiously for her arrival at the station. Shirley is survived by her children Rick, Sue, Janie and her husband Craig Thornton. She was oh, so proud of her six grandkids and their spouses: Erin (Berat), Sean (Katie), Michael (Tori), Clare (Rain), James (Brittany) and Kristen. She loved you all to infinity and beyond. She was an extremely proud Great Grandma/”GG” to 7 wonderful little people: Isaak, Noah, Jakob, Taylor, Hadley, Aliya and Luna. She also deeply loved Mary Varcoe, whose visits (and egg salad sandwiches) were enjoyed thoroughly by Shirley for many years.

Shirley was born in Weston, Ontario and worked for many years at Eaton’s as a bookkeeper. She met her husband Don, at a train station, where Shirley unceremoniously dropped a suitcase on his foot (most likely to get his attention). Their love-affair went on for more than 65 years. Shirley was a life-long member of the Anglican Church of Canada, attending St. Matthias Church in Etobicoke for many years. Shirley and Don did lots of fundraising for the church, and personally donated the beautiful stained-glass window that adorns the entry-way to the Church. Shirley was completely selfless in her service to others, organizing church bazaars and volunteering for years at Youth Without Shelter. An avid knitter, Shirley’s signature pieces were the many hundreds of Teddy Bears that she knit for family, friends and charitable organizations. Shirley was an eternal optimist, finding the good in everything and everyone. That “glass half full” attitude provided comfort and support to all her family and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Ward Funeral Home, Weston Chapel, 2035 Weston Road, Toronto on Monday, July 24th from 12:00-1:00 pm. A celebration of Shirley’s life will begin at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to join us for refreshments after the service.

In honour of Shirley, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Operation Smile Canada or any charities of your choice.

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