Obituary

80, of Elora, ON, passed away on November 14, 2024 in Mount Forest, ON. Shirley is survived by her children, Susan Romito and her husband Marino of Durham, Bert Dow and his wife Sandy of Fergus, April Griffin and her husband Mark of Belwood; grandchildren, Philip Romito and his wife Nicole, Jesse Romito, Scott Dow and his wife Lyndsey, Dan Dow and his wife Emma, Jasmin Griffin, Hope Griffin; great-grandchildren, Cohen, Noelle, Jack, Etta, Aubrey; brothers-in-law, Walter Howald of Formosa, Wayne Zettler of Kincardine; sister-in-law, Marjorie Dow of Fergus; and will be missed by many nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends. Shirley is predeceased by her loving husband, Douglas Dow of Elora, her parents, Bert and Della McCallum of Kincardine, her father and mother in-law John and Nellie Dow of Mount Forest, her sisters, Doris Howald of Formosa, Linda Cornish and her husband Brian of Kincardine, Janet Zettler of Kincardine; brothers-in-law Dave Dow of Fergus, Lloyd Dow and his wife Eleanor of Dundalk, Gordon Dow and his wife Bobbie of Hanover, Cliff Dow and his wife Doris of Durham. Shirley was born in Kincardine, ON, to Bert and Della McCallum on April 10, 1944. She worked at Walser’s Furniture factory, which later became Little Folks Furniture factory. Years later she worked at Tim Hortons in Elora for several years before retiring. She enjoyed bingo, lawn bowling, spending time with friends at the Elora Legion listening to good music and dancing, and many days were spent playing card games, especially Euchre and Rummoli with her sisters and family. She also filled a bucket list item by going on a cruise to the Caribbean, which she really enjoyed. To honour Shirley’s request, there will not be a funeral service, however, a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date at the Elora Legion. Bert is waiting for surgery, and once he is at a place in his recovery that will allow him to attend and enjoy this time, a date will then be set and information will be sent. With Christmas coming, we are anticipating it will be sometime in January 2025. Because Shirley suffered with COPD, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association online at: https://www.lung.ca/donate or by phone: (613) 569-6411. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the compassionate and caring nurses and personal support workers, and activity directors at Strathcona Long Term Care in Mount Forest. Many of you were exceptional, and filled those final days with such love and care for not only our mother, but for us as we sat by her side and watched her pass. Thank You! We know we can never repay this kindness and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness will always be remembered. Arrangements entrusted to Graham A Giddy Funeral Home (280 St David St S, Fergus, ON – 519-843-3100). Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Shirley’s memorial.