SORENSON, Shirley Wain Sorenson

Shirley Wain Sorenson (née Thompson) passed away peacefully in Whitby, Ontario, on March 15, 2025. She is survived by her loving family: her beloved children, Donald (Susan), Grant (Brenda), Dianne (Greg), and Karen, as well as her grandchildren, Jennifer, Andrew, Noelle, Lindsey, Jackie, Roy, Elise, Austin, Jill, Jenny, Alyse and Trey and great-grandchildren, Anderson, Isla, Blake, Logan, Bowie and Olivia. She will be deeply missed by her extended family and friends.

Shirley lived a full and vibrant life. Born in Montreal, Quebec, she later moved with her late husband, Roy Morris, and their four young children to the Scarborough Bluffs in Ontario as Roy pursued his dream of growing his career. She remained in Ontario for the rest of her life, eventually settling in Uxbridge with her late second husband, Don Sorenson, where she created countless cherished memories with her children, grandchildren, and many dear friends.

Some of Shirley’s happiest moments were spent gathering friends and family around her table. She took great joy in cooking for as many people as she could fit into her home, always finding a reason to celebrate–whether it was a holiday, a birthday, or simply the change of seasons. Many will fondly remember her Santa’s Village collection, which filled her home with warmth and festive spirit year after year.

She was a talented quilter, needleworker, and seamstress. Anyone who knew Shirley can likely picture her working on her latest crochet blanket or quilt–or, if we flash back a few decades, knitting dresses and outfits for her grandchildren. She could usually be found in front of the TV, sipping a glass of white wine and answering Jeopardy! questions while she sewed. In recent years, she lovingly donated many of her handmade creations to hospitals and charitable organizations.

And Shirley’s versatility extended far beyond textiles. Well into her 60s and 70s, she took on home renovations, tackling projects like replacing floors and upgrading bathrooms with impressive craftsmanship. One of her greatest accomplishments was designing and building a stunning stone patio, cutting each stone herself and creating a beautiful pond complete with a waterfall and fish.

She also loved to travel. Even after settling in Ontario, Shirley and the family would often head back east to spend summers on Lake L’Achigan or take winter trips to ski at Gray Rocks. Later in life, she continued to explore the world with Don–by boat and plane–always eager for new adventures. She cherished her winters in Florida, driving there and back each year, making stops along the way to visit the many friends she had met over the years. We’ll all miss her returning to Canada with a van full of yarn, ready for her next project.

Throughout her 90 years, Shirley built many cherished friendships and connections. She embraced life with a lighthearted spirit, always finding joy in its simple pleasures. She was easy to be around, always ready for a good laugh, and approached every moment with an open mind and heart. Shirley touched countless lives and will be missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Shirley’s memory.