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GALLANDER, Shirley Ida Eileen (nee Holley)

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20250221-shirley-gallander

December 31, 1933 - February 19, 2025

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Shirley, in her 91st year. She is now reunited in Heaven with our dad, her late husband, Wilfred of 67 years.

Shirley was the proud and loving mother of children Brenda (late Bob McDonald), Linda Federley (Reijo), Brent, and Rhonda Fata (Jamie). Proud and adoring grandmother of Sabrina and Colton Fata.

She will be sadly missed by her siblings Pat MacDonald (late Don), Buzz (Joan), Bob (late Maxine), Ross (late Bonnie), Lorrie (Judy), Ken (Patricia), Don (Carol), Gloria (Ron), Jerry (Marlene), Barb, Ricky (Kathy) and Brien as well as many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Alex and Eileen Holley, and brother Bill (late Christine) predeceased her as did her close friends and some neighbours.

Shirley was a diligent member of the Group Health Centre team in the Housekeeping Department from which she retired in 1994.

An avid volunteer in the community over the years, Shirley fundraised for the Group Health Centre, campaigned for the Heart and Stroke Society of Canada and prepared many meat pies for the Seniors Drop-In-Centre. As a long-time member of Willowgrove United Church, she enjoyed volunteering as a greeter.

Shirley loved cooking and baking for her family and friends who savoured her delicious meals and pastries. She enjoyed many hobbies over the years especially travelling, researching the history of places she visited, taking photos and gardening. Until her late eighties she swam and hiked regularly.

She loved people, visiting and learning about their lives. She always remembered special occasions and spent time choosing thoughtful cards to send to her family and friends.

Mom, we love you and miss you so much. We are proud of your strength during difficult times and inspired by your enthusiasm and joy of life.

The family is grateful for the staff at Great Northern Retirement Home for striving to make mom’s final years comfortable and safe and her primary care physician, Dr. Kendall, for his conscientious and compassionate care.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758) on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Glen Eagle officiating. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations would be appreciated by cheque or online to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Willowgrove United Church General Fund. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com for the Gallander family.