Shirley Isabel Stafford
November 20, 1937 - January 6, 2025
Funeral Details: A memorial service will be held in the spring when travel is safer.
Shirley Isabel Stafford (nee Hall) 87, passed away with family at her side at Andy’s House Hospice on Monday January 6, 2025.
Shirley was born in Bracebridge on November 20, 1937. She had two sisters Ellen and Cathie. Shirley worked as a Bell telephone operator where she met and later married Bill Stafford in 1956. They had four children; Mark, Dawn, Andrew and Paul (died 1973).
Bill‘s work with Bell Canada had the family move often. Shirley made friends each place they lived. She sang in choirs, did volunteer work, wrote poetry and prose, and was actively involved in her churches in Kitchener, Toronto, Barrie and Bracebridge.
Shirley loved to show hospitality to friends and family, often having families visit the cottage in Port Carling for extended times. She enjoyed playing various board and card games which she gladly taught to her six grandchildren.
When Bill retired, they spent many happy winters in Texas and summers in Muskoka running a bed-and-breakfast near Port Carling. In 1997 they moved into Bracebridge. They continued travelling with their RV and spending winters in Texas.
Bill died in 2014. Shirley continued meeting with friends for games for several years until it was too challenging to get out.
She will be missed by her remaining friends and family.
Shirley is survived by her sister Cathie Grinnell; her children; Mark (Jackie), Dawn and Andrew, (Rebecca) her grandchildren; Kayla (Marc Preston), Christopher Stafford (Ellen), Joseph Stafford (Racheal), Brandon Stafford (Chantle), Rebecca (Matt Ricetto) and Joshua Stafford (Brooklyn). She had 5 great grandchildren who called her “G.G.”; Jackson, Lucas, Elodie, Mya and Bodin.
A memorial service will be held in the spring when travel is safer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to Cal Bombay Ministries, Andy’s House, or Canadian Baptist Ministries.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Adrian McKendry
Posted on: Saturday, January 11, 2025Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Shirley. May her soul rest in peace.
The McKendry’s
Ps. The sound of Shirley’s voice calling “Here kitty kitty” will never be forgotten 😉
Stan and Judy Sitts
Posted on: Monday, January 13, 2025Our deepest sympathy to you as you mourn Shirley’s passing.
Our friendship goes back 60 years and many, many times we
were privileged to enjoy Shirley’s gracious and generous hospitality.
She was the best of friends.
The Sitts family
Dawn Stafford
Posted on: Tuesday, January 14, 2025I know that Mom and Dad valued your friendships. I have so many memories of happy times spent with all of you both in Waterloo and Muskoka.
Jane (*House) White
Posted on: Tuesday, January 14, 2025It is with great sadness and shock that I read today that Shirley had passed way. Shirley and I were friends all through High School and picked up our friendship when I returned in 2003. We had not seen each other since COVID but kept in touch through Facebook and last Fall I asked her over for coffee but she said she did not go out except to appointments. I have not been well and do not go out too often as my eyesight has nearly gone. I am very upset that no one told me about Shirley. RIP Shirley
Nancy Cardillo
Posted on: Thursday, January 16, 2025My thoughts go out to all the Stafford family. Shirley was a warm and welcoming person during my teen years. I spent many a summer with Dawn and family at their cottage and home in Barrie. I will always remember her generosity, hospitality and of course her whistling.