Shirley May Caylor (née Robichaud)
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Shirley May Caylor, beloved wife of Peter Knox Caylor (2014) for almost 50 years, in her 89th year, in Simcoe, Ontario. Born in Tracadie, New Brunswick, on May 27, 1936, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Henry and Helen Robichaud and the loving sister to Rita, Carole, Jack, and Dorothy.
Shirley is lovingly remembered by her devoted children, Chris and Jennifer (Maurice), her grandsons Matthew (Alanna), Émile, Blaise, and Nicolas, and her treasured great-grandchildren Bentley, Scarlett, and Macen.
Her journey began in Campleton NB where she earned her teaching degree before embarking on an adventure to teach in Schefferville, Quebec. There, met a dashing anglophone and the love of her life, Peter. Together, they settled in Hagersville, where Shirley continued her career as a special education teacher at St. Mary’s School for over 25 years. Shirley’s love for her students and her remarkable ability to ignite a passion for learning left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm will always be remembered by colleagues, parents, and most of all, her students.
In her retirement years, Shirley was often found on a beach, at a restaurant or vineyard, or happily riding shotgun in the Miata as her favorite driver took her on new adventures. She was also an active volunteer at the Hagersville Food Bank and a fierce competitor in Scrabble, where her sharp wit was always on display.
Shirley’s legacy of compassion, lifelong learning, and unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The Family will honour her life with a memorial gathering 7-9 Saturday and 9:30 - 11am Sunday, with a Tribute at 11am, at the Hyde and Mott Chapel, RHB Anderson Funeral Homes with a reception to follow at Hagersville Legion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hagersville Foodbank in Shirley's memory. www.rhbanderson.com
Condolences
Posted by
Sharon Fess
on
Feb 11th, 2025
Sincere sympathy to family and friends on the loss of Shirley. As a volunteer driver, I met Shirley through Senior Support Services and enjoyed our various trips and conversations together. Take comfort in knowing that she is now free from pain and at peace. Treasure your memories.
Posted by
Sue and Dan Dalimonte
on
Feb 11th, 2025
Shirley was such a wonderful soul. I worked at CGC and got to know both Peter and Shirley. To all of you we send our sincere condolences. We will be making a donation in her memory to the Food Bank.
Posted by
Lee Cecchini
on
Feb 11th, 2025
I am heartbroken. Shirley was my dearest friend since 1968. I really am at a loss for words.
Posted by
Larry Faudel
on
Feb 11th, 2025
I was sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing she was part of my family we kept contact for a long time she was a positive person love her family loved curling and always had a good story for me on email. My condolences to Chris and Jenifer and family may she rest in peace. Loving cousin Larry
Posted by
Mary Flora Ross
on
Feb 11th, 2025
Please accept my prayers, thoughts, and love during this difficult time.
The years I spent on King St remain among the happiest times of my life when the neighborhood was a tight-knit community. There was always something going on around "the four corners." Morning coffee, Pete's famous cocktails, Shirley and I defending teachers amidst Pete's jokes. They were wonderful neighbors and friends. When I arrived home from school, I was greeted with a "Hello, Mary."
Shirley was a valuable member of the Hagersville community- a teacher, volunteer, and, of course, friend. I could write to fill pages. Let it be a comfort that she is with her beloved Pete and at peace.
Posted by
Jennifer Bennett
on
Feb 11th, 2025
Dear Chris and Jennifer, I am deeply sorry to you and your families. "Aunt Shirley touched so many lives in the very best way and we are all mourning with you. She was a wonderful woman and someone I admired. I feel lucky and honoured to have known her and hold dear to my heart, the special part she and your dad held in our Bennett family. Sending my deepest condolences with much love to you both.
Posted by
Kathy Hill
on
Feb 12th, 2025
Oh, Mrs Caylor.. she tried for many years to get me to call her Shirley. I said it would never happen, she would always be Mrs Caylor. So then I was Miss Esselment to her always, she would never use my first name. She was an amazing lady who brought a smile and laughter every time I saw her. I’m glad she is no longer in pain and is now with her hubby who she missed so much. My thoughts are with you all.
Posted by
RichardTeed
on
Feb 12th, 2025
Dear Chris and Jennifer and families , our deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one .She will be missed by you . May she rest in peace .. . Thoughts and prayers going your way . The Teed Family l
Posted by
Susan Butler Lim
on
Feb 12th, 2025
Chris, Jennifer, family and friends;
King ASt
A young couple, pregnant with first child, moved into the recently renovated King St. East home next door to us in the mid-1960s. The Caylor family quickly became close friends. We waved to each other through our windows while washing the dishes, and we were periodically entertained by Shirley. I remember creme-de-menthe sundaes. My sister and I babysat Chris and Jennifer. Naturally, visits dropped off after our family moved to Welland, but we did still keep in touch.
Shirley will be remembered as a lovely, classy, woman with a great sense of humour and much love for her family, colleagues, friends, and neighbours. She missed Pete greatly after his 2014 death. Chris and Jennifer's families as well as close friends will now miss them both.
Best wishes,
Susan, Cathy, Jim and John Butler
Posted by
Rosalind Rumball
on
Feb 12th, 2025
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. We had so many good times together and will always be in my heart. I am looking forward to seeing you, Jennifer and Chris,to give you a warm hug. Love, Roz
Posted by
Tammy Slote
on
Feb 12th, 2025
My thoughts are with you Chris Jennifer and families Shirley was one classy down to earth person with lots of friends always dropping by the retirement home with chocolate lol I had the privilege of caring for Shirley before she went to Simcoe. RIP my friend
Posted by
Jo-Anne Mrezar
on
Feb 13th, 2025
I as well could not call her Shirley, as she requested many times
i addressed her respectively as Mrs Caylor, every time we crossed paths in Hagersville
It was joyful to hear of all the fantastic adventures enjoyed with the Miata Club
As a mother of 2 St Mary’s students, Mrs Caylor was delighted to hear about the paths chosen by some
former students, especially the ones who chose the teaching profession
Enthusiastic and a very special lady
Heartfelt condolences to all her family and friends
Posted by
Shelley Gray
on
Feb 13th, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Shirley was such a fun loving women who loved her family. I have fond memories of her and Pete at Tracy’s wedding. We had such a good time. Hopefully, you will find peace in knowing she is now with so many loved ones.
Posted by
.
on
Feb 14th, 2025
Chris & Jennifer,
My condolences on the death of your mother. I have sent a donation to the food bank in her memory.
Ed McCarthy
Posted by
Pierre et Jannie
on
Feb 15th, 2025
Chère Jennifer,
Nos pensées vont vers toi. Nous espérons que la douceur et les doux souvenirs accompagneront ce deuil.
Douces pensées à toute la famille.
Pierre et Jannie xxxxx
Posted by
john cecchini
on
Feb 15th, 2025
Sorry for your loss Chris and Jennifer.I have known your dear mother since 1968. Shirley and "Big Pete" have been dear friends well over 50 years. We had so much fun in our many unique and social events .The Oban Inn, Prince of Wales, Blue Mountain or The Briars. What a time !I still vividly remember our "slow drive "in my Vette from Caledonia to your house and Pete and Big Lee following in the Honda.I know that Big Pete has the Miata ready!
God bless you ad Big Pete abundantly.
"The Bells of St.Mary's"
Ciao per adesso'
JC
Posted by
Keith and Diane Koopman
on
Feb 16th, 2025
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Shirley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We had the privilege of getting to know Shirley during her stay at the Nursing Home. We enjoyed the time we spent talking and having coffee with her and our mother.
Keith and Diane Koopman
Posted by
Wayne Awde
on
Feb 16th, 2025
My condolences Chris and Jennifer on your loss R.I.P
Posted by
Marie and Philip Francis
on
Feb 16th, 2025
Our deepest sympathies Chris and Jennifer on the loss of your dear mother. We just found out your Mom passed yesterday due to being away. Unfortunately, we can’t attend the visitation and funeral today due to the severe storm. Shirley was a very dear friend and co-worker whose friendship lasted long after we both retired from teaching. During Covid we enjoyed long phone calls keeping us in touch. She was able to maintain her sense of humour, quick wit and grace right up to the end of her life. She will be terribly missed by her family and her many friends. Personally, it was a great honour to be called her friend and I will miss our wonderful and fun filled times together. RIP my dear friend.
Posted by
Marie and Philip Francis
on
Feb 16th, 2025
Our deepest sympathies Chris and Jennifer on the loss of your dear mother. We just found out your Mom passed yesterday due to being away. Unfortunately, we can’t attend the visitation and funeral today due to the severe storm. Shirley was a very dear friend and co-worker whose friendship lasted long after we both retired from teaching. During Covid we enjoyed long phone calls keeping us in touch. She was able to maintain her sense of humour, quick wit and grace right up to the end of her life. She will be terribly missed by her family and her many friends. Personally, it was a great honour to be called her friend and I will miss our wonderful and fun filled times together. RIP my dear friend.
Posted by
Bruce and Brenda Disher
on
Feb 17th, 2025
Chris and Jennifer we send you our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother Shirley. She was a great friend and neighbour to the Disher’s . Her and Vern would often have a chat these last years of being widowed. Take care .
Posted by
Anne McMillan
on
Feb 17th, 2025
Chris and Jennifer:
So sorry to learn that your mother passed away. I had recently discovered she was in Simcoe and hoped to call on her but did not get there in time. It was a privilege to be on the same teaching staff as your mother. She was always so pleasant and welcoming to me as a “part-timer”. I can still hear her voice saying “Well, Anne” when she saw me. May she rest in peace.
Posted by
Grace de Vries
on
Feb 18th, 2025
Shirley & I have been friends since we met @ scrabble. Recalling her favorite M-&-M story, her wit, indulging several Ferrero Rocher's during our last visit and her strength when facing declining health.
My sincere condolences to you Chris and Jennifer and families. May you find PEACE in the memories.
Posted by
Anne Cavanagh
on
Feb 25th, 2025
When Paul & I bought McColl’s pharmacy effective Jan.1st 1975, we did not move to Hagersville until June of ‘75. Bob Hall, owner of Haldimand Press interviewed Paul about our family. When Shirley read that Paul did his PhD @ UNB Shirley was delighted as she knew she would have some extra defenders when being teased about coming from N.B. Thus, we had an instant friendship.I asked her where in N.B. she came from she told me a small French town I probably never heard of but when she said Tracadie I told her I did hear of it. When I was office RN for two MDs sharing a family practice, at times we had patients who came from there. Then I asked if Pete came from N.B. also but she told me he came from Timmins. Both sets of my grandparents raised their families in Timmins where I was born and raised. Pete’s grandfather was manager of Hollinger Gold Mine where we went often to see friends living on that mining property. It really is a small world.
