WARD: Shirley Ann (Brodie) of Orangeville, formerly of Goderich and Chatham
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On October 20, 2026 @ 8:33 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 23 Comments
August 13, 1930- October 8, 2026
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Ward (Brodie), age 96.
Shirley was born in Chatham, Ontario, August 13, 1930, to Ruby and Wilfred Brodie (both deceased).
Growing up on a farm in Chatham Township, she was the oldest of five siblings. She leaves her sister Donna Stormer of Kentucky (Ron- deceased), Bill Brodie (Louise), of Chatham, and Jim Brodie (Joyce),of Chatham. Shirley was predeceased by her brother Jack Brodie (Rosemary), also of Chatham.
Shirley met her future husband, Murray in high school. They married on March 11, 1950, and called Chatham home for many years. He was the love of her life.
Shirley and Murray had four children. Becky Golden of New Brunswick, Brad (Lynne) of London, Barry (Judy) of Goderich, and Stacey Ward-Stone (Jeff) of Orangeville.
She is survived by seven grandchildren, Rachael, Cassandra, Ryan, Mark, Keaton, Logan, Keira, and three great grandchildren, Slater, Stevie, and Rowan.
In 1972, after a number of years volunteering for the Chatham Goodfellows, she was chosen as Mr. Goodfellow of the year. The first female recipient of that award. She also worked many hours alongside Murray at the airport in Chatham.
In 1973, the family moved to Goderich, when Murray accepted a position with Champion Road Machinery/ Business Air Services.
Shirley worked for a number of years at the Provincial Court, in the Provincial Offences Office, at the Court House in Goderich.
Shirley was an avid gardener throughout her life. In the last few years she put those skills to use helping to plant and tend gardens at the entrance to her retirement home. She was also known for her baking. She frequently baked dozens of goods, often given to her co-workers at the Court House. Shirley also loved animals. Many a stray ended up in her home over the years.
A special note of appreciation to the ownership and staff of Bethsaida Retirement Home, in Orangeville. The staff demonstrated an exemplary level of care that exceeded expectations. It was obvious that strong relationships had formed between our mother and the Bethsaida staff. Additionally, we are thankful for expressions of concern by residents of the home, as Shirley struggled with her various health challenges.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Haskett Funeral Home, 11 Cambria Road, GODERICH on Friday, October 23rd, commencing at 11 AM. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. The family will attend a private interment of both Shirley and Murray’s remains at Colbourne Cemetery. This will be followed by a reception to be held at the Goderich Memorial Community Centre, 180 McDonald Street, in the Upper Hall, from 12:30 – 3:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth.
Condolences for the family of “WARD: Shirley Ann (Brodie) of Orangeville, formerly of Goderich and Chatham”
Condolences to the Ward family. My wife, Monica, worked for a while with Murray at Business Air Services, and we both remember Shirley very well in those days. RIP, Shirley.
Shirley and I worked together at the Provincial Court in Goderich for many years. She was a great person to laugh and talk with every day. Murray and Shirley were always busy working and entertaining. I know you, as her family, will miss her. Please accept my condolences. Karen Sturdy, J.P.(retired)
We were so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. Sending everyone our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom, Gramma and great Gramma. Rest in peace Shirley
Shirley gave me my first real flying/paying job at Sontair way back in the early 70’s and I eventually ended up in Goderich flying with Murray at Business Air. The arc of my Career begins with her. Judy and I have shared so many good times with Murray and Shirley over the years.
Godspeed you Wonderful Human Being.
Condolences to the extended Ward family on Shirley’s passing. Good memories from time spent in Goderich – Shirley was an enthusiastic over server of food and I know I was not the only victim of her generous nature….
RIP
Our love to the family…..
We are very sad to have hear about Shirley’s passing . Both Shirley and Murray were wonderful mentors throughout Brian’s aviation career beginning in 1966. We hold many special memories in our hearts that we will always cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Shirley’s family at this time.
Barry, Judy and Family
We send our deepest condolences.
A life well lived. Cherish the memories.
In deepest sympathy,
Jill and Mark
Sympathy to the Brodie Family, as a cousin, I enjoyed a visit with Shirley.
Becky, Brad, Barry, Stacey,
Sad to see your mother gone, the last of her generation on my side of the family. A couple of years ago I wished her a happy birthday, and she wrote back a long letter with lots of news about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her pride in you all really came through. A long life with much to show.
(Cousin) Geoff
Shirley was a friend and Murray a cousin of my Mom and Dad – we had many fantastic shared experiences with them and our cousins Becky, Brad Barry and Stacy at the beach and often with the Coopers at Rondeau- Shirley continued to write us on facebook and we loved hearing from her – sending love and thankfulness for her life and comfort to the family – Sue Moir – Parry Sound
Our sincere condolences to Stacey, Jeff and Kiera. We know that Kiera has inherited her grandmother‘s love of animals.
With sympathy and a hug,
Bridget, Greg,(Petrie) Laurenne and Maddie, Erin Ontario
🧡
To Becky, Brad, Barry and Stacey Ann – I am sorry to have learned that you lost your mother. Our cousin Geoff let me know and commented that she was, from our perspective, the last of that generation – a notable fact, giving pause.
You did a good job choosing a picture of her for this obituary. Even though it has been well over 30 years since I would’ve last seen her I recognized her immediately and could have easily picked her out in a group. I found this kind of comforting, maybe because it validated my own memory but mostly because it proved that she just kept on being who she was in spite of all the years.
Truth be told, the way our lives unfolded, I didn’t have all that many interactions with your mom but my recollection would always have been one of her easy and genuine smile coupled with a perception of a pretty good sense of humour behind it.
I hope that the occasion of her passing finds you four all in good health and affords the opportunity for you to share memories amongst yourself, of both your Mom and your Dad too. I am glad you informed us that they’re to be interred together. I think that will prove to be fittingly poignant.
Sincerely,
Paul Moore
What a FABULOUS LIFE that Shirley curated. God bless her.
What wonderful memories I have of the trips don and I made to Niagara Falls to meet Murray and Shirley. We had such happy times – the highlight of the weekend would always be – dinner at the revolving restaurant- they were both very special people. Condolences to all
Dear Ward Family,
On behalf of the Chatham Goodfellows, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother, Shirley Ward, who made history as our first Mrs. Goodfellow in 1972.
I recently came across this newspaper article recognizing your mother and her contributions to our organization. Reading about the many years she devoted to the Goodfellows, particularly the important work she did as our secretary, was a reminder of how much dedication and commitment it takes to help an organization like ours serve the community.
My name is Tim Haskell, and I have been a Goodfellow for the past 49 years. I was introduced to the organization as a child, never fully understanding at the time that my own family was receiving this vital assistance from such an incredible group of people.
My father was killed in a car accident when I was very young, and my mother relied on the support of her parents to provide us with a home. During those years, the Chatham Goodfellows helped make Christmas special for our family. It was only as I grew older and became involved in the organization myself that I truly understood the importance of what had been done for us.
Although I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet your mother personally, I have come to appreciate the history of this organization and the people who helped build it into what it is today.
The role of secretary is such an important one. From keeping the organization organized and running the office to coordinating events, maintaining records, and gathering information about families who need assistance, there is so much work that often happens behind the scenes. I can only imagine the many hours Shirley devoted to these responsibilities over the years, helping ensure that families in our community received the support they needed.
Your mother was part of the history that made the Chatham Goodfellows what it is today, and her contribution will always be a part of our story. Her dedication helped carry forward a mission that continues to touch the lives of children and families in our community.
Please know that we are thinking of your family during this difficult time. On behalf of the Chatham Goodfellows, thank you for sharing Shirley with our organization and allowing her to be part of something that has meant so much to so many people, including my own family.
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences,
Tim Haskell
Chatham Goodfellows
Our dearest Shirley.
All the memories we shared over the last 6 years. So proud to talk about our children and grandchildren and how fast you would print off pictures of the Great grandchildren as they arrived.
Shirley was always smiling, and was our number one gardener at Bethsaida Retirement Home. We both enjoyed our favourite holidays together, Christmas and July 1.
A Special lady in my memories for ever.
Sherry Guglietti
Assistant Manager
Bethsaida Retirement
The passing of Shirley Ward has brought great sadness to the home since she was such a bright spot to everyone at Bethsaida. During the six years of residency at Bethsaida she remained constantly involved and active in the Activity Program and events. She developed a warm connection with everyone and fondly saw Bethsaida as home.
One of Shirley’s remarkable and admirable traits was her tenacity for independence and her cognitive function at the golden age of 96!
These traits literally lasted with her moments before her last breath.
It was such a pleasure and honor to provide care and service to Shirley since she made it so easy and enjoyable to do so.
She will forever have a cherished and fond place in hearts. We will miss you princess 🩷.
We are sorry for your loss of your Mom, Grandmother,and Great Grandmother, Shirley.
Sending our heartfelt sympathies to Stacey, Jeff and Kiera.
With loving kindness,
Elizabeth, Taylour, Tavis and family ❤️
Shirly was a beautiful lady in and out. It was a honor and pleasure to look after her. She is well miss.
Never will be forgotten
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Stacey and Family: My condolences to you on the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. She was a beautiful lady.
Dear Becky, Brad, Barry, Stacey and your families,
I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Shirley and Uncle Murray
growing up, especially at our family reunions at the Brodie farm near Chatham.
Uncle Murray, usually carrying his huge video camera on his shoulder filming
our family gatherings while playing games with all of their many nieces and nephews,
while Aunt Shirley was helping with all the preparations for the gathering.
She was a kind and caring lady who loved her gardening, just like her
Mom Ruby(our Grandma Brodie)
Coincidentally as we were driving from the funeral home to the cemetery last
Friday, a small plane flew overhead above the procession. A sure sign that Uncle Murray
was welcoming you home Aunt Shirley to rest together in eternal peace🕊️❤️🕊️❤️
She will be missed…may all your cherished memories get you through
the days ahead🥲
Sending our love,
Simon & Jodi(Brodie) Iu
Article printed from Haskett Funeral Homes | Dashwood, Exeter, Goderich, Lucan, & Seaforth Ontario: https://www.haskettfh.com
URL to article: https://www.haskettfh.com/ward-shirley-ann-brodie-of-orangeville-formerly-of-goderich-and-chatham/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2010 Haskett Funeral Homes |All rights reserved.
My thoughts are with you Barry and family