Under the loving guidance of the full moon, Shirley Ann Robbie passed away peacefully on December 8th in her 86th year. Shirley was born on August 3rd, 1937, to William and Isabella Dinsmore of Manitoulin Island. Beloved wife to the late Duncan Robbie. Cherished mother to the late Steven Robbie, Tim Robbie (Jackie), Janice Robbie, Patti-Jean Robbie (Ara), and Elizabeth Priddle (Jeff). Shirley was a proud and adoring Grandmother to Hilary Houston, William Houston (Brittany), Jacob Houston (Liz), Oliver Houston, Hannah Priddle, and Sophie Priddle (Alex), as well as Great-Grandma to Caleb and Roran. Dear sister to Sharon Gleason (late Bryan), Percy Dinsmore (late Evelyn), Lyle Dinsmore (Dorothy), late Lee Dinsmore (Joanne), Joyce Morrison (Floyd), Ernie Dinsmore (Bertie), Grant Dinsmore (Carol), Lenora Strain (Fred), and Clive Dinsmore. Sister-in-law to Paul Carlson (late Jean), James Robbie (Rita), and Catherine Robbie Maille (Reg). Fun-loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Shirley grew up on Manitoulin Island and at 16 she moved to the big city of Sault Ste. Marie to work as a nanny. She met and married Grant Aelick and had 3 children, Steven, Tim, and Janice. After Grant’s passing Shirley was blessed to meet Duncan Robbie, a handsome gentleman who fell in love with both Shirley and her three young children. Duncan and Shirley married in 1963 and had two children, Patti-Jean, and Elizabeth, to complete their family.
Shirley enjoyed her life together with Duncan, she was a passionate homemaker. She was a sports fan and had great fun attending snowmobile races, cross-country skiing, and keeping a busy social calendar, especially with her group of girlfriends from the YMCA.
Shirley and Duncan went on to spend their retirement years in South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island after building their home there in 1993. Many wonderful family memories were made over summer vacations and holidays at their cozy Island home. Shirley adored looking after her grandchildren, she found pleasure in reading, talking politics, watching curling, knitting, listening to music, and cooking delicious meals.
We will remember her fondly, miss her fierce spirit, and take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her soulmate, Duncan.
A special thank you to the front-line staff at the F.J. Davey Home, and to our thoughtful family friend Marnie Barkley for her unwavering support and for treating our mother as her own. Memorial contributions payable by cheque or online to the Alzheimer Society are appreciated.
Family and friends are invited to join us in community at the Delta Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie on Monday, December 12th at 5:30 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Robbie family.