Shirley Marian Farnsworth, in her 74th year, passed away peacefully on January 8th, 2019 at home overlooking the Muskoka River, while surrounded by her family.
Predeceased by her parents Harold and Margaret Bradley. Survived by her loving husband Kenneth Farnsworth and sons Brian (Denise) and Greg (Leslie). Proud “Gram” of grandchildren Nick, Madi, Kate and William.
Shirley grew up on a farm in Allensville (south of Huntsville). She graduated teacher’s college in North Bay and taught junior grades in Huntsville for a number of years. She stepped away from full-time teaching to raise her family. She was a devoted and loving mother.
A dedicated member of the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary she chaired numerous committees and was president for a number of years. She made many life-long friends and was proud of attaining Provincial Life membership status.
In the summer time her passion was gardening with a green thumb like no other. In the winter the entire family enjoyed downhill skiing as members of Hidden Valley Highlands ski club. Shirley especially enjoyed skiing with friends Sharon and Marlene, although most of their “skiing” was inside the chalet.
Ken and Shirley traveled many miles with their RV visiting the five US National parks including Yellowstone. They also tripped to the Yukon and to Lands End of Homer of Alaska. They enjoyed multiple trips to British Columbia and Vancouver Island, they also traveled East several times to P.E.I., Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Ken and Shirley enjoyed several Cruises including the Panama Canal.
A sincere thank-you to the many friends for their treats and goodies and for just being a friend.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Stephenson for her dedicated and compassionate care, and to the health professionals that came to our rescue in this difficult time.
Visitation will be held at the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 High Street, Huntsville on Friday, January 11, 2019 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Service in the chapel on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 1 p.m., visitation will be 1 hour before service time, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary, or the Huntsville Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Cremation to follow and Internment at Madill Cemetery at a later date.
Mary Hipwell
My sincere condolences to you and the family, Ken. I’ll never forget how kind your family was to me when I came to Huntsville to visit. You always welcomed me into your home and this meant a lot to me.
Mary Hipwell
Tanya
Dear Ken and family,
We are saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. The neighbourhood will be a little less without her. Please accept our condolences.
Tanya, Jason and the girls
Velma (Madigan) Jeffery
Sad to hear of our cousin Shirley’s passing. Wish I had more words to let you know how truly sorry I am. She was a first cousin and I know will be missed by you and her family.
Pat Carney
Ken and family
My sincere sympathy is with you today. May your memories help you through these difficult times.
Robert Bruce Bleakney
Dear Ken, Bryan, Greg and families:
So sorry to hear the sad news of Shirley’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. Shirley was a wonderful lady; loved and respected by all who knew her. I cherish the times we all spent together those many years ago at Hidden Valley
Bruce Bleakney
Judy Field (Nichol
so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing, she was a cousin , the entire Nichol Family sends their condolences.
Judy Field (Nichol) Courtice Ontario
Wayne Fernley
Dear Ken and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Shirley. May all your wonderful memories keep her close. Our thoughts are with you. Love from Wayne and Sylvia
Dale & Brian Hale
Dear Ken, Brian, Greg and family:
We are saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of times we shared together. Shirley was a very special person. It was a pleasure to call her a friend. God bless her now and forever.
Dale & Brian Hale
C.S.
Mothers are primarily the ones given the task of molding us into who we are today. Not having known her, i know she had to of been an incredible woman for in the way she has shaped my bother you are today. Share with one and other the great memories you have, as they will last a lifetime.
L&R
Craiger & Michello
Kemptville College Alumni Board
The Kemptville College Alumni want to extend their sympathy to the Farnsworth family. Ken, year ’65 will be remembering you and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Anne McKinnon
Dear Ken and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of you being our neighbours and Shirley and I recently had a wonderful chat about those days. We will keep those memories close to our heart. Shirley was a lovely, warm lady and she will be missed. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Paul, Anne, Katie and Matthew McKinnon
Dave Papernick
My sincere condolences to you and your family Ken. I wish you strength during this very difficult time.
Your friend,
Dave Papernick
Debbie Todd
May you memories bring you comfort. Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us everyday. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Peggy Perrin
Leslie, Greg, Kate and William, On behalf of all of the Our Lady of Peace staff, our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved mom and grandmother. We hope the many wonderful memories you have will help you through this very difficult time as you celebrate her life and mourn her passing..
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Helen Coker
Shirley was one of my favourite teachers and later in life a friend whenever we met, she will really be missed. Please accept my sincere sympathy Helen Hemmings/Coker
Lisa Paton
Dearest Ken…I am so deeply saddened to have learned the news today of Shirley’s passing. A flood of memories have come back to me of all those times when the two of you stepped into my life, loving my boys and I at a very difficult time. Shirley taught me many things, from gardening, to passing on recipes I continue to make, to being supportive and always willing to be a listening ear, to loving my sons and myself, to encouraging me to be strong, to simply caring as if we were family. I have missed you both since your move away from Glenwood. The two of you are the best neighbors I have had or ever will have…She was a tough little spitfire who loved and cared so much for her family; all of you brought her much joy. She was a very special lady Ken and I will always be thankful and grateful for the friendship we shared. May the peace and love of God surround you, comfort you and hold you in the days to come…with much love, Lisa, Alan, Alex and Nathan xo
Michele
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. Our deepest sympathy “Easy” Dave and “Screeech” Michele. ❤️