Shirley Anne CROMBIE

SHIRLEY ANNE CROMBIE (Bowden) Shirley Anne (Bowden) Crombie left us in her 88th year, a kind and gracious soul to the end. Born and raised in her beloved North Toronto – with mother, Evelyn; father, Jack; and brother, Paul (Cece) – she was a true homer. And never strayed too far or for too long, preferring her stomping grounds near Yonge and Glencairn, the Hill homestead on Tiffin Street in Allandale and the whitecaps of Georgian Bay. Throughout her life, Mom demonstrated a keen understanding of people, taking genuine interest in their welfare and her own steps to support them. She treasured authenticity, cultivating deep and lasting relationships: the girls from high school and sorority; the Chi Chi group - many who fearlessly ventured by steamer and then VW bus across Europe together in their tender twenties; the young moms from Deloraine and dear family friends, Sheila Kieran and Sonja Free, to name a few. And then there were the book clubs. And books. Lots of books. It was love at first sight when Mom visited the newly opened George Locke Library in 1947 -- and found her special place, in the window seat overlooking the park -- enjoying its gifts of stability, story and insight. It remained a personal touchstone from childhood through parenthood and beyond. Not long after, began another lifelong love affair, when she met David Crombie at a fall wiener roast with the gang at Earl Haig. Legend has it that on their first date they missed the last bus and Mom produced not one, but two Sweet Maries to keep them fortified for the two-hour trudge home. Impressed by her resourcefulness, Dad was smitten. And lucky. They married in 1960. Together they raised a family and embarked on a partnership that enabled Dad to make a significant contribution to public life. Mom, not a natural politico, took it in stride, gamely campaigning through nine elections – even in Dad's stead when a heart attack had him down for the count during the federal election of 1980 -- always providing shrewd counsel and accompanying him to a litany of 'functions', state events and travels, with visits to Canada's far-north communities among their fondest memories. Amazingly, despite these claims on her time, Mom returned to school in 1972, completing sociology and social work programs at York University's part-time college, Atkinson and also trying her hand at bookselling, real estate and work in the social services. Through it all, Mom kept the home fires burning, creating amid the maelstrom a steady, warm and family-first homelife for Carrie, DJ (deceased 1963), Robin and Jonathan (deceased 2015) and sharing her love of literature, history and the arts. Chief cook and bottle washer as she liked to call herself, she was also schedule and budget keeper, hospital runner and road warrior – the last two often in conjunction as she rushed nut-allergic Jonathan (her favourite, let's face it) to emergency every Halloween. Later, she welcomed partners Mike, Arne and Lisa to the family and delighted in her role of grandmother to the next generation – Ben (Alyssa), Casey, Hanna and Isak – and then as great-grandmother to young Emma and Alexandra. She was our own steel magnolia – sweet and gentle – but tough as nails, determined as hell and absolutely masterful at managing many moving parts to orchestrate whatever the desired outcome. A decade-long battle with Alzheimer's robbed Mom, family and friends of far too much but never diminished her essential nature. Without a doubt, her last words were of thanks. Our deepest appreciation to all of the caring staff at Kensington Gardens, especially those on first floor southwest and in particular the loving dedication of Lodoe, Choezom and Juliana. For those seeking to make a gift in Shirley's memory, please consider Kensington Gardens, the Toronto Public Library and United Way Greater Toronto. A celebration of life will be held later this fall.