Marguerite Catherine Shirley

Marguerite Catherine Shirley,98, of Canton Georgia passed away on March, 2024. She was born August 31st, 1925 in Whitewood, Saskatchewan Canada and raised near Plunkett. Marguerite was the youngest of nine children to Charles and Anna Clavelle. Raised on the prairies and educated in a one room school house, she served in the Canadian Army during World War II and soon after moved to Vancouver briefly until taking employment with the United Fruit Company in Honduras, Central America.

There she met and married Walter Hugh Shirley of Pineville, Mississippi. Soon to return to the US and relocating several times, the now large family of children settled in Canton, Georgia in 1969. Walter died suddenly from a heart attack in 1972 leaving her widowed with five children ages 8 to 17.

Summoning her pioneering spirit, she dug in and built a life in the growing Canton area taking employment in downtown as an insurance agent until retiring at age 63. After retirement, her time was spent remodeling her mill village home and helping take care of her eight grandchildren. She enjoyed an active life, good health and a good laugh.

Marguerite remained a lifelong learner who had a passion for reading and a curiosity for all things. She traveled to China and Europe, loved the arts, theater, plays and music. She served many years with the Arts Council in downtown Canton. Marguerite enjoyed playing the piano and she built many friendships while playing with the ALTA/USTA tennis team in Canton until almost 80. She spent many hours playing Boggle with her beloved friends.

Above all, she will be remembered for her unwavering faith and love of the Lord. Even in the face of adversity, she remained committed to her church and charitable. She was always reminded that there are others in need. She was very proud of her faith and was a founding member of the Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church in Canton.

She is survived by her Five Children: William Ross Shirley (spouse Evelyn), Anita Marie Akridge, David Walter Shirley (spouse Sheri), Catherine Clavell Lovell and Philip Arthur Shirley.

Eight Grandchildren: Matthew Shirley (Ashley), Rebecca Mincey (Dewayne-Chubby), Catherine Akridge, Sean Akridge, Samantha Shirley, Daniel Shirley (Grace), Anna Lovell, Jeremy Lovell

Six Great Grandchildren: Trevor Shirley, Maggie Shirley, Julianna Akridge, Julian Akridge, Roper West, Dylan Shirley

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday March 14th, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Our Lady of La Salette Church, 2941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton Georgia 30114. A reception with the family will be held in the Parrish Center immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Marguerites favorite charity, St.Jude’s or to Our Lady of La Salette Church.