Linda Shirley May Thompson
October 7, 1945 – April 6, 2021
Her beautiful bright smile and love of life did not come to an end with her death.
Shirley passed away on April 6, 2021 in her 76th year after a brave and valiant battle with ovarian cancer; surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honour her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
She will be lovingly remembered by her honey of 55 years, Leo “Tom” Thompson; son Gregory Thompson (Andrea) and daughter Melissa Schultz (Jason).
Special Grammy to Calvin Thompson (Chantele); Morgan & Kirstin Schultz; Great Grammy to Camden and Jordan.
Shirley is survived by brother William Passmore Sr (Mary), sister Louise Fawcett, and sisters-in-law May, Gwedolyn, and Marcia Passmore.
Predeceased by her parents Edgar Passmore and Belinda Ecker and Step- Father George Terry; and by her 10 brothers and 8 sisters.
She will be warmly remembered by many nieces and nephews and her close circle of friends.
Shirley proudly carried the moniker of “Child # 20” and shared her Birthday with her father. Edgar was so elated with the news of her arrival, he cartwheeled through the apple orchards at Miles’ Place.
A retired elementary school teacher, her passion for education extended beyond the classroom by sponsoring an education for many underprivileged children through World Vision.
Her philanthropic endeavours included three mission trips to Peru in addition to numerous outreach programs as a Faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. She was awarded the Order of Niagara as a result of her dedicated efforts to these programs, 1 week before her cancer treatments began.
Shirley chronicled the lives of many and spent hours tracing her family history. She also journaled daily about her life. Taken from an excerpt of one of her journals:
“I think I was a dreamer most of the time. I loved to look at the stars and make wishes -lots of wishes. I had a great imagination and high hopes. I can remember as a young girl thinking about the year 2000 and how rich I would be. At the end of 2000, I did not have the fur coat (NOT cool anyway) However, I am rich; but not in $$$ but with Blessings!!!”
A celebration of life and internment will take place on what would have been her 76th Birthday - October 7, 2021. Details to follow.
Her family will continue to advocate for ovarian cancer awareness. Donations to Juravinski Cancer Centre or Ovarian Cancer Canada would be appreciated.
Hugs and kisses, stars for wishes
Condolences
Posted by
Carolyn Bish & family
on
Apr 10th, 2021
An amazing lady taken from us all too soon. A true champion who, after her cancer diagnosis & still always thinking of others, encouraged her nieces to participate in the genetics testing at the JCC. I did and the results of my tests were among the subjects discussed during my last conversation with Aunt Shirley. My condolences to Uncle Tom, Greg, Andrea, Melissa, Jason & their families on yours & our loss. I will miss you, Aunt Shirley. Til we meet again.
Posted by
Dana Thompson
on
Apr 10th, 2021
Very sad my heart goes out to the family. We connected again after many years not seeing each other and was very wonderful to connect after years. Aunt Shirley and Uncle Tom took us to the graveyard to visit people from way back in time on grandma Thompson side. Aunt Shirley was our teacher. We all cried when we saw Uncle Tom after loosing my dad (Fred) the resemblance in uncle Tom and my late dad. It was amazing and touching to my heart. My heart is thinking of you all.
Dana
Posted by
Sarah and Kyle MacDonald
on
Apr 10th, 2021
Her legacy live on in her family. I am sad to have never met her but the best testament to the wonderful woman, wife and mother she was is obvious in her son Greg; a man I am proud to call my friend.
Men as caring, as hard working, as passionate and as generous as he is are rare these days and I am sure we have his Mother and Father to thank for that. We are always here for you, my friend.
Posted by
Leo & Betty Lambert
on
Apr 10th, 2021
To Tom, Greg, and all of your family:
We were so very saddened to learn of Shirley's passing. We go back a long way: Leo and Tom from the old days in Wainfleet, and Shirley and I from our time at Dunnville High some 60 years ago. She was a good friend and a wonderful classmate. It hardly seems possible so much time has elapsed. I will keep her memory in my heart, and I'm sure you will take comfort from her strength, her sense of service to others, and her lovely smile. Cherish your loving thoughts and memories of such a dear person. They will see you through this most difficult time.
Thinking of you,
Leo & Betty.
Posted by
Brenda (Taylor) Bourne
on
Apr 10th, 2021
Deepest sympathies to the Passmore and Thompson families! My dear mother, your half sister (Dorothy Passmore Taylor), spoke of you often! May you rest in eternal peace!
Posted by
Sandy Passmore
on
Apr 10th, 2021
Tom, Greg, Melissa & Families.
I don`t know where to begin. I loved playing with Shirley as kids.
I never called her Aunt as there were only 6 years between us.
We played with her doll Judy then before I knew it she was a teenager.
Competing with Gwen, Linda, and Dorthy was not easy but Shirley always made time for me.
I wish we had more time now but life gets in the way.
See you on the other side. Grandpa will be able to celebrate your and his Birthdays once again.
Love you forever
Sam
Posted by
Lois & Wayne Lockhart
on
Apr 10th, 2021
A friendly, kind woman! I admired her strength and optimistic outlook. She will be sadly missed!
Posted by
Larry & Karen Passmore
on
Apr 11th, 2021
We were blessed to have aunt Shirley in our lives, a classy lady. Always a positive and spirited individual, we have many fond memories that will always bring a smile to my face.
Our deepest condolences to Uncle Tom, Greg, Andrea, Melissa, Jason & their families
Posted by
pamela june ballagh
on
Apr 11th, 2021
Hugs and Prayers,Tommy,Melissa,Greg and families!
Posted by
Dan & Leila Thompson
on
Apr 11th, 2021
Our sincerest condolences.
Dan & Leila Thompson & family
Posted by
Shawn & Renee Hamilton
on
Apr 11th, 2021
Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Melissa, I saw your mom about a year ago and we discussed old times and how her grandchildren are Calvin and Morgan and my kids are Calvin and Morgan. We had a nice visit for the short time we spent. She was a beautiful lady. I was hoping to pop in for a visit like she wanted but then the pandemic changed the plan. Keep your memories close and share them often.
Posted by
Bob and Betty Sorge
on
Apr 12th, 2021
Tom, Greg and Melissa and families,
Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Shirley was a wonderful woman who will be missed. We had so much fun teaching at Seneca Central PS. Such fond memories.
Posted by
Bill and Linda Hart
on
Apr 12th, 2021
Dear Tom, Greg, Melissa and all the family,
Our very deepest condolences to all of you at this very sad time. Shirley was a wonderful person in every way. Working with her in Retired Women Teachers of Ontario, Haldimand Branch, was such a joy. Shirley was forever smiling and looking optimistically in each situation with which she was involved. Having known her since high school, we always admired her and valued her friendship. Know that our love and deep caring thoughts are with all of you.
Posted by
The Mino Family
on
Apr 14th, 2021
Tom, Greg, Melissa, Calvin and family.
Our sincere condolences.
Cherish the wonderful memories.
Posted by
Anne Wilde
on
Apr 14th, 2021
Deepest sympathy to your family. It was a privilege working with Shirley in the Retired Women Teachers Association- Haldimand Branch and meeting her at the weekly coffee hours at St Paul’s. Her smile was infectious and brightened any place she entered. She will be missed..
Posted by
Wendy Passmore
on
Apr 15th, 2021
I will always remember Shirley's beautiful smile and her gentle ways. She will be missed so much. My deepest condolences to Tom, Greg, Melissa and all her family. Hugs of comfort and support to each of you.
Posted by
Keith & Sandra Egger
on
Apr 15th, 2021
Dear Tom and family, we are so saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. Such a beautiful smile and a kind hearted woman. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Posted by
Eleanor Pardoe
on
Jun 16th, 2021
I was so saddened to read in the Haldimand Retired Teachers newsletter of Shirley’s passing. I met her at Grandview Central in 1992. She quickly became a very good friend and mentor to me. Her great sense of humor and love for the students taught me how to take the good and the trying times in teaching in my stride! And not to sweat it! We had so much fun together in my early days of teaching. She had such a wonderful impact on her students. She will be missed.
Posted by
Eleanor Pardoe
on
Jun 16th, 2021
I was so saddened to read in the Haldimand Retired Teachers newsletter of Shirley’s passing. I met her at Grandview Central in 1992. She quickly became a very good friend and mentor to me. Her great sense of humor and love for the students taught me how to take the good and the trying times in teaching in my stride! And not to sweat it! We had so much fun together in my early days of teaching. She had such a wonderful impact on her students. She will be missed.