Shirley Gertrude Pollock

Shirley Gertrude Pollock passed away peacefully in her 98th year at the Regional Hospice of Waterloo on Monday, May 24, 2021, in the presence of her granddaughter Karen Mulhall, and surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Shirley was born in Clinton in 1923, the middle child of John Adam and Frances Gertrude (Chant) Sutter. She attended nursing school at Stratford General Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1945. After working in hospitals in Clinton, Stratford, St. Catharines, and Guelph, she was hired by Dr. McLagan, which brought her to Preston in 1954. She met widower Robert Pollock in 1960, when he needed to get an allergy shot for his hay fever. They were wed in 1961, and celebrated over 35 years of marriage prior to his death in 1997. When they married, Shirley became a new bride, a step-mother to two (Margaret and Elizabeth), a mother-in-law, and a grandmother to the four MacLeod children, soon followed by the three Little children. Over the intervening years there have been 20 great grandchildren, and 16 great great grandchildren - with three more on the way! Shirley and “Irish Bob” were amongst the original residents of St. Peter’s Place in Preston, her home for almost 40 years. When she moved in, she had to request special permission, since at 58 she was too young to live there. Her request was granted because of her “elderly husband”. Shirley is survived by her sister Eileen Robbins of Gravenhurst, son-in-law John R. MacLeod of London, and her grandchildren; Robert MacLeod (MJ) of Pohang, South Korea, Don MacLeod (Helen Frost) of Westlake Village, California, and Dave MacLeod (Cheryl) of Crediton; Rob Little (Tracey) of Hamilton, Karen Mulhall (Joe) of Ailsa Craig, and Terri Kavanaugh of Sarnia. Also loved by her many great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Shirley is fondly remembered by her Robbins nephews and nieces and their families, as well as her “Irish family” from the Pollock and Andress sides. “Aunty Shirley” will be especially remembered by Norma and Mark Hidaka of Oakville. As with anyone who has lived such a long life, Shirley was predeceased by many members of her family; her parents, her beloved husband Bob, her brother Benson and his wife Mary Sutter, brother-in-law Robbie Robbins, her daughters Margaret MacLeod and Elizabeth Little, granddaughter Shannon MacLeod, and great grandchildren Jamie Little and Kailee Kavanaugh. We take comfort in knowing that while we sent her with our love, no doubt Shirley was received and welcomed by so many people who love her.

Shirley’s extended “family” includes her Sisters of Crystal Rebekah Lodge No. 286. Shirley was very proud of her more than 74 years of service to the Rebekahs. She was initiated in January, 1947, with her mother acting as the conductor, and her entire family have been active members of the Rebekahs, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Shirley served in every office, including as the District President. In 1993 she was invested with the Degree of Chivalry, the highest honour the Order can bestow. In lieu of flowers, Shirley has asked that memorial donations be made to support the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs’ Camp Trillium - which was started by Brother Benson Sutter. Shirley also was a valued member of the Trillium United Church family, as a faithful parishioner, and as a tireless worker - especially noted for selling and taking tickets. Trillium honoured her this past spring for her devotion and service. As per Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 30th at 11am at Trillium United Church with a Visitation for one hour prior. A reception will follow in the church hall. Shirley’s family would like to say a huge thank you to the many people who have cared for Shirley and helped her maintain her independence - to her wonderful neighbour Rose Chambers and her friends at St. Peter’s Place; to Joanne, Earlene, and Harold from Trillium United; to the various PSWs who visited her every day; to the doctors, nurses, and all the staff at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, especially the great team who facilitated our “virtual visits” due to the restrictions of Covid. And finally to the staff at Hospice - your kindness and compassion to our beloved grandmother, and to us, her family, is truly appreciated. Shirley Pollock was a very positive, caring person, who always loved an “extra hug”.

Please remember this remarkable lady with a smile, and be sure you give the people in

your life an extra hug - and let them know you love them!