August 13, 1931 – October 31, 2021
It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Shirley Grace McCauley on October 31, 2021 in her 90th year. Beloved wife of Richard McCauley (deceased February 23, 1992) and proud mother of Brenda Patterson (Graham) and Cindy Bedford (Bryan). Adoringly remembered by her four grandchildren Matthew Patterson (Dorothy), Jeffrey Patterson (Alana), Dorette Jackson (Scot) and Jason Bedford (Kelly) and special great-grandmother (“GG”) to seven great-grandchildren Ethan, Erica, Leyton, Jamie, Gwen, Owen, and Alex. A cherished sister to Douglas Bondy (deceased April 12, 2020) and beloved aunt to Kristin Austen (Jason) and Andrea Leili (Jason). Predeceased by her parents Frederick and Grace.
Shirley grew up in Harrow Ontario and after graduating from “normal school”, she became a teacher. Her first teaching position was in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), where she met and married Richard (Dick) McCauley in 1953. After the birth of their first daughter Brenda in 1953, they moved to Barrie Ontario where Shirley continued her full-time teaching career, at Johnson Street, Oakley Park and Cundles Road Public Schools. In 1956, they welcomed their second daughter Cindy. Shirley later became a real estate agent, working for Emory Miller Realty in Barrie. While raising her family and working full-time, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating from Waterloo Lutheran University in 1972.
Shirley and Dick enjoyed square dancing with many close friends for several years in Barrie (Shirley even sewed her own square dance dresses). She was active in the YMCA Aquafit program, and especially liked sharing coffee with friends after class. Shirley and Dick often travelled together throughout North America, and even after Dick’s death, Shirley continued to travel, including several trips to Europe. She became an avid bridge player, and later in life, embraced a new game called “farkle” while living at Roberta Place Retirement Home. Shirley was well known for her sense of humour and her fierce independence. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
Cremation has taken place. At a later date, there will be a private interment ceremony and a celebration of life. A donation in Shirley’s name can be made to the Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com.