MERRITT, Shirley

February 22, 1934 March 21, 2026

On Saturday March 21st, the long life journey of Shirley Merritt came to a peaceful end. Though Shirley was predeceased by her husband Dudley and daughter Elizabeth, her legacy and influence lives on in children Carol, Chris (Rose) and Jill (Wayne) grandchildren Graeme, Bryan, Nicole (Josh), Jessica (Fahad) and Carly (Brett) and greatgrandchildren Musa, Layla and Liam.

Shirley Elisabeth Kitchen was born on February 22nd 1934 in Derby England to Walter and Emily Kitchen. Her life changed forever at a Boxing Day Tea Dance at Leicester's DeMonfort Hall, when she was swept off her feet by the dashing and debonair Dudley Hamilton Merritt. In 1968, Dudley and Shirley made the decision that Canada represented a better future for the family. Dudley flew ahead to set up a home etc... leaving Shirley to "enjoy" a six day April crossing of the stormy and turbulent North Atlantic with four children under the age of twelve. Unlike the voyage of the Titanic in April 1912, the Empress of Canada successfully navigated around the icebergs leaving Shirley as the only casualty as she had succumbed to severe case of seasickness. London, Ontario was the ultimate destination and a small comfortable home was purchased at 42 Cronyn Crescent in East London and the task of raising the family and integrating into their new lives in Canada became the priority. Shirley was particularly proficient with numbers and she put this skill to good use with the family finances by meticulously itemizing and recording all major household upgrades and expenditures but always ensuring the budget splurged on a memorable annual family vacation. Her numerical literacy led to a successful career at the Bank of Nova Scotia and Brinks. However, when the job at Brinks required that even office staff had a functional proficiency with firearms, Shirley took this a sign that it was a time to retire. She successfully reapplied her skills volunteering at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Women’s League as well as the gift shop at Victoria hospital where she helped raise a considerable sum of money. She was also able to follow in her father's footsteps and joined a choir that entertained at retirement homes. When husband Dudley retired in 1994, the fruits of her fiscal prowess paid dividends, as they were able to tackle a long "bucket list" of places to see and experience together during their golden years. Though Shirley's British upbringing meant she approached all life's challenges with a determined no nonsense attitude, she also had a warm and generous side when it came to friends and family. Quality Street "sweeties" and Cadbury Chocolate Finger "biscuits" were readily available for visiting grandchildren while Christmas and Birthdays were an excuse for decadent desserts of multilayered trifles topped with whipped cream or Victoria sponge cake smothered with butter icing. She was a loving and supportive partner for Dudley throughout their 67 year life together and firmly believed that everyone has a friend during each stage of life, but only the lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life. We are confident that Dudley is awaiting her with open arms so they can happily waltz their way through eternity. The family would like to thank Dr Abell, Hanover Nursing Hospital Staff and the Hanover Senior Villages Staff for their kindness and support for Shirley during her last year of life. Condolences and Best Wishes are welcome at www.lfreepress.remembering.ca and/or www.mighton funeralhome.ca