Shirley Lashbrook
September 12, 2017
Shirley Elizabeth Lashbrook was born on April 23, 1926 on the family farm in Cowal, Elgin County and died Tuesday, September 12, 2017 after a year-long fight with lung cancer. Shirley is predeceased by her loving husband, Lynn (1996), her parents David and Flora (Dennis) Carroll, and her brothers, Donald (2009) and Jackie (1938). She will be dearly missed by her daughters Heather (Richard Jones), Jane (Sandy Sherman) and Laurie (Doug Ferguson); her grandson, Lashbrook and granddaughter, Erika, step-grandchildren Sarah, Duncan, Kayla and Caitlin and two step great granddaughters Nicole and Ayva and her dear friend, Bruce McCallum. Shirley was fiercely independent and eternally optimistic. At 88 she renewed her passport for 10 years. She loved bright pink, live theatre, creating quilts, shopping and happy hour. A world traveller, she always had her next trip planned before returning home. She celebrated her 89th birthday at Machu Picchu in Peru. She found her calling in teaching and spent more than 25 years in the classroom touching the lives of many students. Shirl always defied her age. She played in three golf leagues until she was 85 and three bridge clubs until she was 91. Her happy place was the cottage on Lake Huron, where she spent her summers enjoying the sunsets from her deck. Shirley’s top priority was always family, creating a close knit loving group who stayed by her side to the end. She passed on to her daughters a love of learning, acceptance of others, the importance of community and how to throw a great party. None of them really learned to sew. It is with deep sadness that they wish her bon voyage and send her on her final trip. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. where the funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, September 16th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Private family interment. Donations gratefully accepted to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board that assists students in financial need to fully participate in their education or The Cancer Patient Assistance Fund at the London Health Sciences Centre.
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Leave a tribute for Shirley Lashbrook
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To Heather,Jane,Laurie and families: I was very sorry to hear of your mother's death.She always looked so beautiful ,and was certainly a very active person.I have some very great memories of her over the years. I would like to express my most sincerest sympathy to the family. Shirley Walker & family
Our sincere sympathy to all the family on the loss of their mother, Shirley Lashbrook. We have fond memories of her from our Lakewood days.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your mother. I knew Shirley through Newcomers. What a wonderful lady. Shirley always looked beautiful and had a welcoming smile. She will be missed.
Love and prayers are with the entire family at this time. We're sorry we are too far away to be there with everyone to share the great stories and memories of Shirley. She was a role model for all on how to live life to the fullest.
(Donated to LRCP Patient Assistance Program)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
Heather and Richard, So sorry to read if your mother's passing. I remember that you were spending a great deal of time with her lately. Even in a long life there is still not enough time to be together. You have our deep sympathy for your loss. Janet &Scott
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
Heather, Richard and family: I am so sorry to hear about your mom(in-law). I will be praying for strength and comfort for you not just now but in the days to come as you begin this new chapter of your lives.
To the wonderful Lashbrook family: We are deeply sorry to hear of Shirl's passing. Shirley's passion for family, friendships, education, politics, among many others, will always be foremost in our hearts when we think of our sweet, yet determined to be independent, cottage neighbour. Life at the cottage will never be the same. Shirl was one of my teaching mentors & I will miss our long conversations about current & former students of ours. Rest in sweet peace, Shirley xoxo
I do not know this lady but what a BEAUTIFUL tribute to a wonderful woman with a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Treasure all your memories and hold them close to your heart where she will always remain and remember that LOVE never dies. With Sympathy, Sincerely, Linda Fox
Dear Jane, Heather, Laurie and families... Oh MY, your mom was an incredible lady! The last time we saw her was Easter last year when she was turning 90. I was in awe of her as she told us about her trips and adventures, and shared memories of us from years past. Truly exceptional, and an inspiration to so many people!!! You'll miss her terribly, and we pray that the many fabulous memories and experiences you shared will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Thinking of you all. Kelly and Doug
Dear Heather, Jane and Laurie, My sincere condolences to you and your families! Beside "Amazing Woman" in a dictionary would be a picture of your Mom! She truly was amazing and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Hers was a life well-lived and I know that all of you are proud to have had her as matriarch of your family. She will be missed. My thoughts & prayers are with you as you mourn her loss and celebrate her wonderful life. Blessings, Brenda
My sincere condolences to the Lashbrook extended family. They were among the leading builders of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association back in the days when it was a family business and members brought their children to the national conventions in different parts of the country. It was a great pleasure to get to know them over the years and, later, to work with Jane when she became executive director of the Atlantic Community Community Newspapers Association. I'm sorry Shirley is gone but I can't help but smile when I think of her and remember what style and zest she and her family brought to our lives. Families are a relay. She carried the baton on her leg of the relay brilliantly and prepared her children to do the same. Shirley, I salute you!
Dear Family Shirley Lashbrook was such an inspiration to me at Aldborough Public School. Her independence, hunour, strength and caring were unmatched. Shirl was a force to be reckoned with and that marvellous throaty laugh!!!! Shirley continued her relationship with the RTO/ERO members in Elgin and always attended our Annual General meetings. She invited members who needed transportation to ride with her. Shirl was a fascinating woman. Her love and pride in her family was apparent to all. She encouraged women in leadership roles and stood for what she believed in. I always knew that she would be ready with a smile, a hug and a story about her latest adventure. Shirl was a very classy woman. She had a presence that filled the room. I am so thankful for the time that I had with Shirley. Her smile and joie de vie will be remembered. Thank you Shirley for making a difference in many lives. My condolences to all of the family. Heather, Jane and Laurie...you are carrying on her legacy.
Our sincere condolences to Shirley Lashbrook's family. She was a long time member of our group and we will all miss her vivacious presence. Shirley lit up the room and made each day a joy to celebrate.
Dear Laurie, Erika, Heather and Jane, We are so sorry to hear of Shirl's passing. We hope she didn't suffer with the horrible disease of cancer. Remember her happy demeanour and flashy smile to comfort you in the time to come. We remember Shirl as a very elegant, happy and wonderful woman. She lived a great life and left all of you a wonderful legacy. We're thinking of you. Please accept our sincere condolences. Ron and Sue
Heather, Our condolences on the recent passing of your mother, Shirley. We know how influential she was to your life and to your love of teaching and reading. We know you have many great memories of time spent at the cottage, travelling, and at family gatherings. Know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Kathy W., Amy P, Lindsey M, Danielle S, Megan H, Brenda D, Shannon W, Emily H.
Dear Laurie and family Please accept our deepest condolences for Shirley's passing. What a wonderful life lived! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all & may treasured memories comfort and support you all always. Rob & Maria Di Loreto
Jane, Heather, Laurie, I am so sorry to learn of Shirley's passing. I should be more respectful and say Mrs. Lashbrook, but she was such fun she was more like part of the gang than an 'elder'. When I think of her I think of that broad smile (a combination of happy and bemused) and a hearty laugh. Nothing seemed to bother her. When it came to rolling with the punches, she lead the parade. Remember the night at the Saskatoon CCNA Convention, your dad was president. Shortly before his speech power went off in the hotel. I remember seeing your Mom with one of the table candles (with the faux wicker net) leading people through a darkened hallway. Your Mom was fun. She lives in your smiles. (Seriously, look in the mirror when you can smile again and you'll see her in each of your smiles.) I am sorry for your loss and sadness. Allan
It is with great sadness that Helen and I read of Shirl's passing. She was a great support for Helen when she joined the staff of WESES (1978). Offering support and advice for the difficulty that Helen was experiencing. She taught our two children who always expressed how kind and considerate they found her. Michelle, even worked the summer of 1989 for the newspapers. Then, when we both retired, our first trip to Europe (1998) was (of course) to Portugal. Three glorious weeks in the sun and Shirl's great dinners and parties, and advice of where to go and what to see. It was the finest St Patrick's Day celebration we have ever gone to. Later, in RTO, we discussed travel and trips that we were arranging. Shirley was truly unique. It was a pleasure and a priviledge to have known her. Just her laugh was enough to lighten my day. Her spirit will never die if we all remember her and what she held important in her family's life.
So sorry for your loss!
For her girls, and to Bruce as well, please know that we too join the chorus of sadness and condolence on learning of Shirley's passing. As cottage neighbors, we always enjoyed Shirl's company and marveled at her energy for life, awareness of others and love of laughter. How many times has Nancy said: I hope I am like Shirley when I get older.
Our condolences to the family of Shirley. We travelled in Peru with Shirley and helped her celebrate her 89th birthday. She was a truly lovely lady . Wayne & Mary Smith
Dear Laurie, Erika and family, I am so sorry to learn of Mrs. Lashbrook's passing. Although I never had the privilege of meeting this remarkable lady, I think I have met her in knowing you Laurie with your drive, creativity, strength and love of life. You are all in my heart and thoughts and I hope you are able to find comfort in your memories of Mrs. Lashbrook embracing life to the fullest. Regards. Cydna Mercer
Jane, Heather and Buzz: Very sorry to hear of Shirl's passing. I had an enjoyable phone call from her just a couple of weeks ago. She called to express her condolences on the passing of Karen's dad Doug Ross. As she said she to me she was the "last of the old gang" (Doug was "Thumper" from the UWO rooming group about 60 years ago for those for you reading). When I picked up the phone I knew it was Shirley after just a few words from her distinctive voice despite not seeeing her for some..well...lets just call it many years. As is typical of your mom she was more concerned as to how we were doing than her own situation, She never let on she was as risk, simply that she wasn't able to travel and was thinking of us. It was wondeful to speak to her after all this time, and I am grateful for for her initiative to find me in Chatham. It is indicative of the person she was. The obit you wrote would certainly puff up your your mom and dad proudly as it fits her to a "T". The writing skills run through the family. :)
Dear Lashbrook Family, Our sincere condolences on Shirley's passing. She certainly was a fiercely independent soul and we all admired her for that, as well as so for many other qualities. I had the privilege of teaching with Shirley when I first started at Aldborough Public School. Shirley was an inspiration and a role model, and always there to help a 'newbie.'. She gave so much to everyone. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
My deepest condolences to the entire Lashbrook family! Mrs. L was my 6th grade teacher at APS. She was a firm and fair woman and she was never afraid to love us, but to guide us back into line when we needed it. I see her approach in my own classes now with my students. It's hard and it works and I am eternally thankful for these lessons I learned from her. Rest in peace, Mrs. L... You touched the lives of many and continue to do so. -Eleve
To all of Shirley , family and loved ones My family and I are truly sorry to hear the sad news of Shirley's passing. She was a delight to all at the cottage and will be dearly missed . We all admired her for her passion for life ,her humor, her hospitality, her love of family and friends . She was our matriarch and left us all with many memories that we will always cherish . A great example of a life well lived . Sharon Vinnai and Family
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(Donated to The Caring Fund at Thames Valley District School Board)
~ Rob & Maria Di Loreto