Passed away peacefully at LHSC – University Hospital surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the age of 89. Loving mother of Craig and Leah Ann, Scott and Cheryl, and Ian and Mandy. Proud grandma of Sarah (Jesse), Ryan (Rachel); Jacob (Jordyn), Eric (Natalia); Emilia, and Cohen and great-grandma of Georgia, Lainey, and Taylor. Dear sister-in-law of Shirley Gardiner. Fondly remembered by her nephews Dean, and Derrick. Predeceased by her parents Bramwell and Laurene (Bilton) Gardiner), her sister Frances Willits and brother Jack Gardiner.
Shirley lived first and foremost for her family, to whom she was deeply devoted. For many years, she was a familiar and welcoming presence managing the dress shop in Cherry Hill Mall, continuing her work until the age of 79—not out of necessity, but because of the meaningful connections she formed, the friendships she cherished, and the joy she found in helping others. Even in retirement, she remained active through Kiwanis bus trips and a life that never slowed, as she simply never liked to sit still.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date. A private family graveside will be held in the Spring at Mayhew-Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Thamesville.
Donations to Diabetes Canada, or Canadian Cancer Society 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).
Tanya (Hodgson) Schoenroth
Sending my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.
Anne Patterson
Please accept my condolences. Shirley was my neighbour, I saw her almost every day, what a lovely lady.
Sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace, she was such a kind person. We will miss her here.
Jeff Grigg
To Craig, Scott and Ian.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Thinking of you and your families at this time.
Cousin Jeff, Michelle and Claire.
Paul Augustine
Scott and Cheryl: I am saddened to hear about the loss of Shirley. Please accept my condolences at this time.
Terrie and Kirk shaw
Dear Craig & Leah Ann, Scott & Cheryl, Ian & Mandy and your families
Sending our deepest condolences and thinking of you all at this sad time of a dear family friend and nieghbour.
Terrie ( O’Neil) & Kirk Shaw and family
Wendy Gee
So very sorry Craig, Leah Ann & Family. She will be certainly missed.
RIP. Wendy Gee
Nancy Payne
My deepest condolences to all of Shirley’s beautiful family. She will be dearly missed by all…but has now found peace…beautiful memories will remain in your hearts forever.
Bernice Slegers
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Treasure all those beautiful memories. Stay strong my friend
Kim Waugh
To the Lave boys and their families,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and grandma. May your memories of her give you comfort and ease your sadness. Thinking of you.
Cousin Kim
Trudy Hinds
So sorry to hear your sad news
Love and prayers for you all at this special time
Keith Trudy and all your friends at Chiniguchi
💕🙏🏼😥
John & Mary Walls
Craig, Scott, Ian and families;
Sending our sincere condolences to everyone. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Rhonda Long
My favourite memory of Shirley is her and Laurene coming back from a shopping trip and having bags and bags of finds. She and Laurene were always very well put together. I would stop by her store in Cherry Hill Mall and she’d always find me something fabulous I should buy.
Sending my condolences to all the family.
Peggy O'Neil
Dear Craig, Scott, Ian, and your families,
My heart is very heavy from this sad news.
Your mom was a symbol of beauty in every way for me growing up on the farm. I remember when I was in Grade 8, I bought my first earrings and lipstick from her through Avon. I looked forward to every time she visited (I swear she kept all the best samples just for me!). She always looked like a super model–sunglasses to prove it!
I will miss seeing her at Remark’s market where we always had a good ol’ catch-up on each of our families. Her smile and laugh always made ME smile and laugh.
I am sending you my sincerest condolences as you grieve the loss of your lovely mom and grandma.
Colleen and Ernie Dobinson
To the Entire Lave Family
Sending you all our condolences. We know these were a hard few weeks and hope she is at peace.
Deborah Hesselmans
Scott and Cheryl we are so sorry for your loss. Adrien and I send our condolences.