SHIRLEY CHRISTINE DICKER
(Newman)
Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Shirley Dicker on December 26, 2022 at Country Village LTC home in Woodslee, Ontario at the age of 87. Born in Windsor on July 29, 1935 she was predeceased by her parents Robert and Christina Newman, as well as by two brothers – Robert (Pat) and Gordon (Lorraine). She is survived by her daughter Leslie Grabb (Chris) and son Joe, as well as by her grandsons Kevin, his partner Yeonju and her daughter Dain, and Ian, his wife Jennifer and their sons Wilder and Nash. She is also survived by two brothers – Darrell (Sharon) and Wayne (Betty-Lou) – and will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family members, former students and fellow teachers. Shirley was an elementary school teacher for 35 years beginning her career in an eight grade one-room school, later focusing mainly on the primary grades but also acting as librarian and principal on occasion. Teaching children (especially to read) was a great passion for her but so was helping others, fighting for the rights of women teachers through her involvement with the FWTAO and the ECWTA. She was fortunate to retire young which afforded her more opportunities to help in the community, joining the Friends of Point Pelee and the RTO board as well as being a member of the RWTO Goodwill committee, where she was known as the “Card Lady,” a position she held for over 20 years. Retirement meant she was also able to spend more time with her grandsons, and travel extensively – always at least once a year to Manitoulin Island where she discovered new family and many friends. The family would like to thank Country Village for the care and kindness shown to Shirley in the last 10 months, the executive and membership of the RWTO and RTO, and in particular the Community of Christ congregation in Providence Bay. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Shirley’s Life will take place in the spring.
