Hon. Shirley Martin PC
November 20, 1932 to September 16, 2021
Shirley passed away peacefully at her Grimsby, Ontario home with her sons John (Lesley) and Chris (Kimberly) at her side. Her loving husband Jack, who was the wind in her sails for more than 69 years, predeceased her by 21 days. Shirley was an amazing role model, and fiercely proud of her grandchildren Carter, Lauren, Preston, James, William and Livia.
Shirley’s life was a vivid illustration of what a passionate and purposeful person can accomplish. She started her first job as a switchboard operator with Bell Canada at the age of 14 to help support her widowed mother. She worked her way up the ranks, while simultaneously helping Jack on the family farm, before retiring with 36 years of service.
Throughout her life Shirley was committed to community service and volunteerism. With those values in mind she successfully ran in the 1984 Federal election to represent the riding of Lincoln. During her 9 year career as a Member of Parliament she served in Cabinet with responsibilities that included Transportation and Indigenous Affairs. She was also a member of the Canadian delegation to the United Nations. Most important to Shirley though was helping the people and communities she represented.
After leaving politics she dedicated her time to community projects and organizations including McNally House, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, the Grimsby Museum, and many others. Shirley was once quoted as saying “you don’t do things being mindful of a reward. You do it because you see a need and want to help.”
The Martin family would like to sincerely thank all the amazing people who supported Shirley. Especially Mary and Winnie, the team at McNally House, and the nurses and caregivers who made Shirley feel safe, comfortable and loved on her journey home to Jack. Donations to McNally House would be welcomed.
Visitation for Shirley and Jack will take place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 3-5 and 6-9 p.m. A private family service and interment at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery will take place. In accordance with provincial regulations, there is a limit to the number of visitors who may attend at one time. Please RSVP in advance for the visitation on Shirley’s tribute page at www.smithsfh.com or by calling the Funeral Home.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hon Shirley Martin PC Thursday September 16th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario