It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to Shirley Marguerite Hillman. Shirley passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, May 4th in her 82nd year after a long battle with cancer at Andy’s house in Port Carling.
Shirley will be missed by her loving husband Gary, of 60 years, sons Kevin (Holly), Ken (Lisa) and five grandchildren: Wyatt, Ross, Joslyn, Luke, and Charlie. Shirley was the daughter of the late Whitney and Teresa Kay and grew up with eight siblings on the family farm in Ufford. Shirley was predeceased by her brothers Garnet (Ruth), Ken (Dorothy), Ralph (Shirley). Shirley is survived by brothers and sisters, Rosemary (David), Ron (Bess), Jack (Donna), Marie (Cory) and Bruce (Joan). In addition, Shirley was the loving aunt to 18 nieces and 16 nephews.
Growing up and living her entire life in the country, Shirley was an avid gardener and lover of wildlife. Be it fresh garden vegetables, or seeing a doe and fawn in the yard, the outdoors was where she was happiest next to being with her adored family. She was loved by all for being a beautiful, loving woman inside and out, and family was always at the top of her list.
Shirley never missed the Bracebridge Fall Fair, both as a participant and a spectator, even taking in last year’s fair from her wheelchair.
A special thank you to Sheila Holder for her tender, loving care, as the Hillman family could not have done it without her endless help. The entire family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the staff at Andy’s house. During her stay, the care team at Andy’s became a second family to both Shirley and the rest of us. Shirley set a new record for longevity at this amazing facility.
There will be a celebration of life held on June 29, 2024, at the Bracebridge Legion from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM.
As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley‘s memory to: Andy’s House https://www.hospicemuskoka.com/donate.