Shirley will forever be remembered by her husband and partner of 61 years, Jim, her two children Nancy and Steven (Mary Claire Cairns) precious grandchildren Angus, Henry and Evelyn, sister-in-law Diana McDonald, brothers-in-law Bill Cairns and Dave Cairns (Dianne Ritz), nephews Matt Cairns (Jen Cairns) Rob and Doug Milne (Siobhan Milne) and nieces Susan McDonald and Trish Cairns (Al Hunter). Shirley is predeceased by her parents, Ernie and Helen Kalbfleisch, her beloved sister Faye Milne, brothers-in-law Bob Milne and Alec McDonald and nephew Ben McDonald. Shirley will be fondly remembered by Connie Cairns, Maureen and Neil Cubberley, her cousin Irene Buckingham and her many lifelong friends.
Born in Stratford, Ontario, Shirley had an infectious smile and genuine warmth that brightened every room she entered. From an early age, Shirley had a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. From selling wildflower bouquets door to door at age 10 to later in life becoming the neighbourhood Avon Lady, hosting Tupperware parties, and selling Regal Cards, she always had a “can-do” approach to everything she did.
Growing up, she loved to help her Dad at his butcher shop on Saturday mornings and continued to do this until his retirement in 1969. At 13 years of age, Shirley liked to spend time at the local arena where she first saw Jim Cairns, a handsome and scrappy hockey player. It would be years later that they would start their lifelong love affair when they met at a local dance and ultimately got married in 1962.
Their true adventure would begin when they packed up their Volkswagen Beetle and moved to Toronto. They purchased their forever home in North York and would eventually be transferred to Montreal for a 4-year assignment, where Shirley welcomed their daughter Nancy into the world. Upon returning to Toronto their family would expand to include their son Steven. It was at that time that Shirley became a devoted stay-at-home mom, where she volunteered for every school trip and contributed to every bake sale. She was an active member of the Home and School committee and the Willowdale United Church Women where she forged many lasting friendships.
The Cairns’ spent many summers in Muskoka and eventually they purchased their own little slice of heaven, nicknamed The Mouse House. Together they worked hard to rebuild the little three-room cabin into a cozy hideaway, becoming Shirley's happy place where many fun moments will be remembered by all who spent time there.
Among Shirley’s many talents, she was known for her beautifully decorated cakes which she made for birthdays, baby showers and even weddings. She was a talented artist, taking up painting lessons later in life and producing many lovely oil paintings. Shirley loved to cook, entertain, and throw parties. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and created wonderful memories that are spoken about whenever family and friends gather.
In 2016, Shirley suffered a stroke and her mobility and speech were significantly impacted. With Jim by her side, Shirley faced this challenge with her usual grace, patience, and gratitude. Shirley continued to be interested in others and looked forward to updates and visits. She had always been the family historian and remarkably did not lose the details from her incredible memory. Shirley was always listening and wished she could express herself better, but she did her best to participate.
Shirley left a legacy of love, laughter and the ability to make everyone she knew feel special.
Her commitment to her family was her greatest accomplishment and she will forever remain in their hearts.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 6pm to 8pm and on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 10am to 11am, followed by a memorial service and luncheon at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 6191 Yonge Street, Toronto.
Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Fond memories, expressions of sympathy and pictures may be shared below for the Cairns family.
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