With heavy hearts, we announce that God has called Shirley Anne Johnston (Hanmore) home to be reunited with her beloved husband, Gerry, and her son, Jim on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Shirley was born on December 22, 1941, to Wilfred and Pearl Hanmore. She is survived by her loving children: Ken, Cathy Taylor (Jamie), Ray (Michele), Kevin (Kelly), and was predeceased by her son Jim (survived by Bonnie).
She was a dear sister to Patricia (the late Tom) Lozon, Marion (the late Deacon Cyril) Cogghe, Dianne (the late Michael) Cogghe, and Rosemary (the late Jim) McGee. She was also a cherished sister-in-law to Joe (Jeanette), Frank (Cathy), Phil (Doreen), and the late Terry (Nancy), Mick (Joan), and Tom (Jan) Johnston. She will be deeply missed by her 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A devout Catholic, Shirley was a dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) for 69 years. Over her decades of service, she served as President of her local CWL and later went on to become the Regional Director for the London Diocese. Shirley also touched many young lives during her career at Sacred Heart School, where she eventually retired after years of working as a bus driver, lunch hour supervisor, and custodian.
Shirley had a passion for travel, with cruises being her absolute favorite way to see the world with friends and family. Even in retirement, her heart was rooted in serving others. She channeled this into catering weddings, funerals, and family functions, and regularly cooked for the Knights of Columbus and Optimist dinners. Whenever word got out that “Shirl was cooking,” the events were guaranteed to sell out.
Her impact on the village of Port Lambton is legendary. In 1968, Shirley was one of the original organizers of Gala Days. Alongside other local pillars, she helped shape Gala Days into the beloved tradition it is today, serving faithfully as the committee’s treasurer for over 30 years. She lived for the Friday night dances and the Sunday wind-down parties with her fellow committee members.
Shirley’s dedication to her community didn’t stop there. She spent countless hours supporting minor sports through the Port Lambton Athletic Association, serving in numerous roles including Umpiring Chief and coach for girls’ softball. She also managed the canteens at MacDonald and Vandamme Park, ensuring all proceeds went right back into youth sports—only stepping down when her body physically could no longer keep up. Additionally, she served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer for the Sombra Township Optimist Club, always looking forward to their dinner meetings.
When she wasn’t volunteering, Shirley was an avid fan of the Port Lambton Senior Pirates, and she could always be found cheering on the Sunday ballgames from her golf cart under a shade tree.
Among her many well-deserved accolades, Shirley was once proudly voted the unofficial Mayor of Port Lambton. She leaves behind a community that is profoundly better because she was a part of it.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231) on Wednesday, July 8th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Her Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday July 9th, 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Port Lambton.
If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the St. Joseph’s Hospice or Port Lambton Athletic Association.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
