Shirley Albertha Croft November 4, 1935- December 24, 2024
On Christmas Eve, mom finally found peace after a very long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Mom was born and grew up in Hebbs Cross. When we were growing up, she had many stories to tell us about her long walks to the schoolhouse in Camperdown in the wintertime.
She married young and started a family in Middlewood, where she suffered the tragic loss of her firstborn son. This loss she carried with her all her life. She was a warm and caring person who loved her family unconditionally and would drop everything and come running if we needed her. Her love of animals included not just her poodles, but extended to budgies and even a pet rabbit. This love of dogs lives on today in her children and grand-children.
We, her children, have many fond childhood memories of camping trips and summers spent at the cottage. Our friends were always made welcome and our home was a gathering place for neighborhood children to come and play.
Her shrubs and flower gardens were a thing of beauty and she was in her glory when she was outdoors gardening. Berry picking, jam-making, pickling and canning vegetables from our garden kept her busy in the summer - along with trying to keep track of 5 children! She kept a spotless house, baked and cooked wonderful meals. She also worked outside the home doing private housecleaning jobs. The grandchildren were cherished and she enjoyed time spent with them. After our dad passed, mom would go to music jams and card parties to help pass the time. She was very independent - which made it hard for her to accept help when Alzheimers limited her ability to care for herself. She lived out her last years in Queens Manor - where she enjoyed participating in the many events that went on. The excellent care she received from the staff there was a great source of comfort to her family.
Mom was predeceased by her parents Charles and Tessie Stewart of Hebbs Cross; her husband Garnet Croft; sisters Thelma Stewart and Mary Hallett; brother Robert (Annie) Stewart; sons David and Mark Croft; and daughter Jennifer Llewellyn.
Left to mourn her passing are her remaining children: Dale (Mary) of Crouse Settlement, JoAnne (Trevor) Sarty of Italy Cross, Jeannie Roy (Reid Bolivar) of Middlewood, 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 9th from 6-8 pm at R.A.Corkum Funeral Home, Wileville, and where also a memorial service will take place on Friday, January 10th at 1:00pm. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, Middlewood; SHAID animal shelter or the charity of your choice