Shirley (Ellis) Valenti

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother Shirley Valenti.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband and our father, Ernest Valenti, with whom she spent 56 devoted years. She will be profoundly missed by her three daughters, Julie (Doug Webber) Jennifer (Bill Coghill) and Cathy.  Shirley also leaves behind two grandchildren, Ken Sim (Candice Savard) and Natalie Sim (Jason Graham) as well as two wee great grandchildren Wyatt and Jade, and many nieces and nephews.  She will be missed greatly by her sister Margaret Crockford and predeceased by her brothers; Bob and Allen. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Shirley will remember first her keen sense of humor and quick wit, which even dementia could not dampen.  She was smart and capable, and had her early life circumstances been different, she probably would have been a doctor.  With only a grade 9 education, she could still diagnose all of our ills, give carpentry lessons to our father, and capably represent her Bell Canada co-workers as Union Steward.   She had remarkable strength of character and led by example, dealing with life’s ups and downs with dignity and strength, and never a complaint. She was Mom to the neighborhood kids on Morin Street, their greatest advocate, or if they mistreated anyone, a respected disciplinarian.  She was always a champion of the underdog and instilled in us her values of compassion, fairness and integrity, for which we will be ever grateful.  We were so blessed to have her for 91 years.  Never long enough.   May we continue to make her proud with our actions. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory to the North Bay Food Bank or a  charity of your choosing is appreciated.

Online condolences can be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com