Obituary of Shirley Whitmarsh (Menzies)

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley Eileen Whitmarsh, at the age of 85. Shirley passed away peacefully at Helen Henderson Care Centre, with Linda lovingly by her side on Friday, July 17, 2026. She was married for 49 wonderful years to the love of her life, Don, who sadly passed away on July 23, 2008. Their love was the heart of our family and remains one of the greatest gifts they gave us.

Mom leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will forever carry her in their hearts: Herb, Linda (Scott) Graham, and Jack (Sherry); her grandchildren, Amber (Mike), Jade (Chris), Erica (Adam), Sierra (Mike), and Jake; and her great-grandchildren, Cooper, Ryder, Lexi, Hayes, Stella, Aubrey and Everlee. Each of us will cherish her spunky spirit, her warm heart, her kindness, and the countless ways she made us feel loved. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Predeceased by her parents Ernest and Mildred Menzies and by brothers Allan, Ralph, Ronnie, Gordon and Kenneth. Survived by her sisters-in-law Esther and Irene, and fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
 

Mom and Dad shared a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, adventure, and many travels throughout their 49-year marriage. She was a wonderful mother who supported and loved her children and son-in-law Scott and daughter-in-law Sherry with her whole heart. She was our biggest fan, our steady encouragement, and a source of joy that filled our lives in ways we will never forget.

Most people knew Mom as a “firecracker” or a little “spitfire”, and those words suited her perfectly. She had an incredible sense of humour, a spirited personality, and a deep, unwavering love for her family. She brought energy, laughter, and warmth wherever she went, and she had a way of making ordinary moments feel special.
 

Mom had a wonderful career at Alcan Research Centre as an electron microscope technician until she and Dad decided to go into business for themselves. They bought a beautiful limestone building in Odessa and turned part of it into the “Odessa Laundromat”. They worked in the village for many years, then retired and spent more time at their precious spot up at Hay Bay. It was there that Mom and Dad spent countless peaceful hours in the boat fishing or sitting on their deck with a cold beverage, enjoying the simple beauty of the place they loved so much.

Mom had many passions: walking, reading, and doing the daily Whig crossword puzzle. But one of her greatest joys was her love for her grandchildren. Mom spent endless hours at Hay Bay teaching Amber and Jade how to dive off the dock, and you could hear their endless laughter throughout the property. She was their biggest cheerleader, whether she was watching them play baseball or hockey, baking cookies with them, or simply being by their side with all her love. Mom also held many special memories with Erica, Sierra, and Jake. She loved cooking for them, filling the kitchen with comfort, care, and the familiar treats they always looked forward to, especially her strawberry Jell-O and her yummy pies.

Mom was an avid walker. When she worked at Alcan, she walked daily from one end of Princess Street and back. In the village, many people would often see her out and about and lovingly say, “I saw your mom on her marathon today”. She also loved the house her and dad built in Odessa, a place that held many treasured memories and remained close to her heart. In March 2025, Mom moved to Helen Henderson Care Centre with dementia, where she spent her remaining days surrounded by kindness and care. The staff, PSWs, and nurses treated our mom as though she were their own, and our family will be forever grateful for the compassion, dignity, and support they gave her during her stay.

Mom’s love, laughter, strength, and spirit will live on in the stories we share, the memories we hold close, and the family she loved so dearly.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at the Collins Bay Legion, 4034 Bath Rd, Kingston, on Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 12–4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or Emmanuel United Church in Odessa would be appreciated by the family.

Please share your memories and condolences to the family on this tribute wall.

Please note - The family kindly requests that third party websites do not publish this content, or any content, on their website without permission. Thank-you.