Shirley Ann Willoughby (née Nelin)
November 28, 1932 - March 19, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Willoughby on Thursday, March 19th, 2026. Shirley was born on November 28th, 1932 in Grandview, Manitoba to Arnet and Wilma Nelin, and grew up in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. Following her high school graduation, Shirley moved to Winnipeg to attend nursing school. Driven by her curiosity and desire to travel, along with her need to escape the cold Winnipeg winters, she quickly moved to Vancouver to continue her career as a nurse. After seeing a Canadian Pacific Air ad, looking for nurses to become stewardesses on their international flights, Shirley, with great excitement applied and began a new chapter.
Shirley met her future husband, Ken Willoughby, during a training run from Regina to Edmonton. In 1957, they married at Clear Lake, Manitoba and shared a wonderful 65 years together before Ken’s passing. Their love story took them to Colorado Springs for two years, Toronto in 1960, followed by Thunder Bay, and back to Toronto before setting roots in London, Ontario in 1968.
Shirley dedicated many hours to raising her three sons, and embraced her community through volunteering at Metropolitan United Church, Merrymount Children’s Home, and the McCormick Care Group. She was a proud member of the London Hunt Club and led a team of volunteers during an LPGA event hosted by the club. She cherished her time at the club, and the special moments she shared there with her family and friends.
Shirley leaves behind her beloved sons Scott (Kathy), Jamie (Michelle), and Moe (Andrea), her sister Donna Sanderson (George), and their families.
A private funeral service will be held at Westview Funeral Home, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday, March 27th, 2026. For those wishing to join the livestream please click;
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Shirley are asked to consider a donation to The Willoughby Fund at The London Community Foundation. For online condolences, please visit www.westviewfuneralchapel.com.
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My deepest condolences for the loss of a wonderful lady. I have fond memories of my parents (Dr John and Jo Ann Sweeney) talking about the fun they all had together. Take care.
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: In memory of Shirley, Nancy Yuhasz and her family have made a donation to the Willoughby Fund.
So sorry for your loss Andrea, wishing you the best at this difficult time.
Dear Scott & Kathy, Jamie & Michelle, Moe & Andrea We are so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was lovely, kind and caring, funny and a gem of a lady whom we cared about deeply. We want to extend our Deepest Sympathies and offer our Heartfelt Condolences. We were privileged to know Ken and Shirley and enjoyed wonderful visits and conversations with them. Shirley was a joy and holds a special place in our hearts. In Sympathy and Caring, Gary & Laura Cook Former Building Managers of 940 Springbank Dr.
Many Happy memories of both Shirley and Ken . My deepest sympathy to all the family . Sincerely. Camille Kerr
I am so very sorry to read this news. Shirley and Ken were such wonderful friends to my Mom and Dad. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I will take comfort that she now is with Ken who she missed so much…
Dear family, I interacted with Shirley and Ken for decades at the car dealership I worked for. What a gracious lady she was. I learned a lot about grace, style and partnership from her. Her eyerolls at Kens dry humour! Great memories. Sincerely Carmen Jones
We are sorry for your loss and thinking of you. We’re sure you have lots of wonderful memories. Our sincere condolences.
I'm sorry to hear this news Moe and Andrea. She was a sweet lady. My condolences to you all. Godspeed to your Mom.
Our deepest condolences to the Willoughby family. Sending all our love and prayers. 🙏 From the Piccolo Family
I remember her and ken when they lived here at 1985 Richmondhill. Very nice people and thoughts with the family
A life well lived. We will miss you Aunt Shirley. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Willoughby clan.
Services for Shirley Ann Willoughby (née Nelin)
Additional Service information
A Private Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 27th, 2026
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Our deepest sympathy on your loss!! Thinking about the family!! We heard many fun stories about Shirley through Jamie!! Although we didn’t know her we heard what a wonderful lady she was!! Melodie, Blair,Trevor jones ❤️❤️
~ Melodie and Blair jones