SHIRLEY VARDON

SHIRLEY VARDON 1929 - 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Shirley Marian Vardon (nee Prout) on October 28, 2016. Shirley was the much-loved mother of Chris (Eileen), Susan (Kevin) and Andrew (Melissa) and devoted grandmother to John, David, Molly, Henry, Lola, Dexter and Jack. Shirley was born in Bothwell, Ontario, the only child of Alvy and Hazel Prout. Alvy was the town's Pharmacist and Optometrist and Shirley spoke fondly of working in the family pharmacy as a young girl. Shirley graduated with a BA in English from the University of Western Ontario then came to Toronto to complete her Bachelor of Education at OISE. Shirley settled comfortably into city life, making Toronto home for the rest of her days. Shirley married Civil Engineer John Vardon in 1958 and they had 15 good years together before his untimely death in 1972. Left with three young children, Shirley carried on, and was a devoted and caring mother. Shirley's warm, relaxed approach to life ensured that 398 St. Clements was a happy place for her kids and their friends. Just weeks before his death, John bought a cottage. Despite nervousness around boats and island-living in general, Shirley determinedly packed her family up most Fridays after school as well as every summer for much fun in the sun on Muskadasa Island near Bala. Shirley spent 54 years enjoying the cottage, whether practicing her uniquely gentle splashing backstroke or napping blissfully on the dock's white tippy-back deck chairs in the glorious sun. Shirley loved to play bridge, read and go for walks. She enjoyed movies and plays. She baked great banana bread, made exquisite carrots sticks and loved a good scotch and water before dinner. Shirley had many dear friends who were attracted to her gentle, warm and open heart. The family will receive friends at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W. (2 stoplights west of Yonge St.), on Tuesday, November 1st from 7-9 p.m. There will be a Memorial Service in Shirley's honour at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 2nd at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Shirley's honour to either Yorkminster Park Meals on Wheels (1585 Yonge St., Toronto M4T 1Z9) or the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation. Shirley volunteered weekly at these organizations for over 50 years and was recognized by both for her dedication and commitment.