April 21, 1945 – October 4, 2025
Passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the age of 80. Shirley was married to her best friend, Gord, for 54 years. Mother to Allan Carless, and Jennifer (Mark) Penny. Loving grandma to Ethan, Julianna, and Gabriel. Loving sister to Evelyn (the late Bill) Singer, Donald (the late Margaret) Helsdon, and Gordon (Donna) Helsdon. Sister-in-law of Morley Harvey, Jane Helsdon, and Terry Patterson (the late Richard Schwartz). Survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Hazel Helsdon (1992) and Earl Helsdon (1955) and her siblings Marian Harvey (2013) and Ross Helsdon (1982).
Shirley attended London Teachers’ College in 1964 and started teaching in 1965. She taught at Tweedsmuir, Oxbow and Southdale Public Schools. Upon retirement, she enjoyed searching for antiques and collectibles for her many booths in and around London. She loved to sing and she was an avid member of the Shades of Harmony and was so very proud of all their accomplishments over the many years she was a part of this group. She was loved by her family and many friends. Her strong personality and sharp wit shone through until the last day. Heaven has taken our angel home. God Bless.
A celebration of Shirleys life will take place at in the Senior Centre at 190 Cherry Hill Circle, LONDON on Saturday, November 8th from 1 – 4 PM. The entrance is at the side of the building. As there is limited parking, the family asks that you carpool if able. Additional parking can be found at the Metro across the street.
The family invites anyone who wishes to share their memories of Shirley during the celebration of life. The family will have photo boards on display, so please bring any photos you have of Shirley that you would like to be displayed. Cremation with interment Tillsonburg Cemetery.
Donations to Shades of Harmony (etransfer to [email protected]) or the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre – LHSF would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Karin Dieters
Dear Gord Carless & Family, My deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family. I last had an email conversation with Shirley in August 2025 I did not know that would be my last time communicating with her although I knew she was not well at that time. She was a kind and gentle person helping me learn to sing in the Shades or Harmony in London for the 5 years I was there. We kept connected throughout the decades + after I moved away from London to the Niagara region. She will be singing in Heaven with the all the other “Shades” Ladies that have gone before her. Her smile, laughter and joy of singing will always be in my mind and soul. I will miss her and our online communication and I will communicate with the Love I have in my soul to her. May time heal the recent loss of your loved one and please know she is and always will be around you and your family. Hugs, Karin Dieters
MIKE Tuxford
Gord and Al sorry about Shirly thoughts are with you
Alison Cunningham
When I first started at Memory Lane, Shirley was so kind and welcoming. She had a warm heart, always with a twinkle in her eye and a kind word on her lips. A lovely lady of the old school who will be greatly missed by so many. Gord, I am so, so sorry for the loss of your life partner and best friend…
John & Mary Walls
Gord and family;
Thinking of you at this sad time. Lots of great memories for you to cherish.
Joan Robson
Sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was always ready for little chat when ever we met up. RIP Shirley.
Joan Robson
Larry and Linda Elson
Gord and family, our sincere condolences for your loss .
Steve & Kim Bowman
Dear Gord and Family
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of Shirley. She was wonderful lady and a familiar smiling face of Denfield.
God Bless.
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
Gord, Allan, & Jennifer
Sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing.
Cherish the great memories and good times. Gord and Shirley are long time residents of Denfield Fifty plus years
Fran Richards
Dear Gord, Allan, Jennifer and family, Please accept my sincere condolences.
I met Shirley (& Gord) in 2022 at memory lane antiques. What a beautiful woman who was passionate, kind, loving and so friendly to all who knew her. We shared a lot of good times there and especially at our MLA lunches! She is missed dearly.
Big hugs to you Gord. I’ll see you soon!
♥️🙏🏻
Cynthia Bachelor
Oh Gord! I’m so very sorry for your loss. I just loved Shirley. I am weeping with you.