Shirleyanne Gorman

ShirleyAnne Gorman

March 19, 1932 – September 17, 2021

ShirleyAnne Gorman died encircled by the love and presence of her five children after a life filled with joy, challenge and indomitable optimism.  She greeted every day with a hopeful spirit and an enthusiasm that was unparalleled.  In the last decade of her life, these strengths and her profound faith allowed her to peacefully navigate her devastating diagnosis of ALS.  She is, and forever will be, an inspiration to us all.

ShirleyAnne was born and raised in Ottawa, the adored daughter of the late Evelyn and Baden Read and older sister to John. Just months after graduating from Western University, ShirleyAnne married the late Gregory J. Gorman, whom she’d met at a Newman Club dance in Ottawa, and the two embarked on a 57 year love story.

Faith and family were the driving forces in ShirleyAnne’s life. By creating a lifetime of celebrations, traditions and adventures – both big and small – Greg and Shirl nurtured an unbreakable bond amongst their children and grandchildren.  One of their many great legacies is the more than 50 year tradition of summers at White Pine that will continue to strengthen the family ties that were so important to them.

ShirleyAnne was a great lover of art and spent many years as a volunteer teaching Art Appreciation through the National Art Gallery.  When her youngest children started high school, she embarked on a meaningful career as the Volunteer Coordinator for Meals on Wheels. ShirleyAnne found a great sense of purpose in helping her clients and developed deep and lasting friendships with her colleagues.

ShirleyAnne’s joie de vivre was perhaps her most defining characteristic. Life’s simple pleasures were made extraordinary by the energy and enthusiasm she brought to them, whether it be hearing a bird song, engaging in an interesting conversation, walking on a crisp winter day, collecting and pressing wild flowers and fall leaves, or singing around a roaring fire. She was a great beauty with a smile that lit up every room and an energy that welcomed each person she encountered.  She was a true and loyal companion whose long list of lifelong friendships is testament to the importance with which she regarded her every relationship.

ShirleyAnne will be deeply missed by her large and loving family Julia, Bill, Paul, Barb, Anna, Jonathan, JohnArthur, Leigh, Nora, Fiona, Meghan, Colin, Gregory, Devika, Katie, Ben, Brendan, Brad, Liam, Stephanie, Julia, Sarah, Jamie, Rowan, Brenna, Colin, Everly, Goldie and John, Marilyn and Andrea Read and family.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral mass at St. George’s Catholic Church at 415 Piccadilly Avenue on Friday September 24, 2021 at 2 p.m. Due to the current COVID restrictions attendance is limited and pre-registration for the Funeral Mass is required and can be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/obituary/ShirleyAnne-Gorman or by calling 613-722-6559.  Private interment will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick’s Home or the ALS Society.  A special thanks to the staff of St. Pat’s, especially Shawleen Robinson, who filled ShirleyAnne’s final years with deep caring, respect and dignity.

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