Shirley Marie was born on September 10, 1940 in Chesley to parents Leslie and Clara (Klages) Albright. She was welcomed by older brothers Louie (1932), Harold (1936), Edward (1938) and was later joined by younger siblings Allan (1942) and Marie (1945). The Albright family mixed farmed on the 10th of Sullivan. The children soon attended S.S. #6 Marmion before the family later moved to a farm on the 8th. Upon completion of public school, Shirley helped around the home for a while before entering the workforce at Perless Textiles in Chesley. In the mid 50’s Shirley met William Early and together they welcomed children, Shirley “Sue” (1958), Bill (1961), Bob (1962) and Doug (1965.)
In 1958, Shirley headed to the city, Mississauga to be exact. She soon established her own taxi business. In fact, she was believed to be one of the first women to start such a venture. Shirley worked very hard to provide for her young family and on more than one occasion worked more than one job to support her and her children. After spending several years in the city, Shirley and the kids returned to the Desboro area in 1971. She soon enrolled at Georgian College where she completed her high school diploma as well as bookkeeping courses.
Not only was Shirley busy raising her young family but she soon began volunteering within the community. She first became involved with the Desboro Community Club and before long was helping with the kid’s sports teams in Desboro. It was also during these years that Shirley took a liking to sports herself, whereby she enjoyed several years of baseball and curling. Over the years, Shirley helped out with countless events in the Desboro and Chesley area. She was also a charter and active member of the Desboro Lion’s Club.
Shirley worked for the Board of Education in Markdale for a couple of years before beginning at Maluskie Farm Equipment in 1973. Here she ran the office and supported Wayne in the day-to-day operations. In time their relationship began to grow and they began dating in 1985. Shirley married Wayne George Maluskie on August 20, 1988 at a ceremony on the farm. They made a great team and continued to operate the farm equipment business until 2007, when they closed the business and retired.
To say Shirley was an animal lover, would be an understatement! Shirley enjoyed dogs, however, her favourite would have to be cats. In fact, there was never a cat she did not like (just ask Wayne and the boys). She had several pet cats through the years, in addition to all the “barn” cats she fed, loved and cared for. In addition to her love of animals, Shirley enjoyed time gardening, growing both a variety of vegetables and flowers. These vegetables were often used in her baking. She was a fabulous cook, known for her canning, baking and especially her pies. Wayne and Shirley also loved to dance and they spent countless hours hand-in-hand on the dance floor. She loved listening to Waylon Jennings and other country artists of that era. This love of music led to several trips for Wayne and Shirley. They enjoyed numerous adventures to the likes of Nashville, Branson, and Havelock. Other vacations took them to destinations like England, Hawaii, Alaska and a variety of US states. Free time in the summer often meant spending extra time at the family cottage at Williams Lake. There were countless family gatherings and memories made there. Shirley was also known to enjoy a nice glass of red wine and thoroughly enjoyed reading. It could have been a magazine or newspaper, it really didn’t matter.
Throughout her life, Shirley was seen by her family as a kind-hearted, caring woman who always put others first. She was extremely protective and independent, and often viewed as the foundation of the family. In 2017, Shirley and her family were dealt with horrible news as Sue was diagnosed with a severe form of brain cancer. Shirley took this news very hard, yet being the matriarch in the family led with a brave face. She did everything she could to assist Sue, Frank and her family during this difficult time and was with Sue when she lost her battle on November 10, 2018. A part of Shirley died that day, however in the months that followed she tried to return to a normal routine. Sadly, Shirley suffered a severe stroke while at home on February 22nd. She passed away, joining her beloved Sue, surrounded by her loving family at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Thursday, March 7, 2019 in her 79th year.
Loving wife of Wayne. Beloved mother of Bill Early of Desboro, Bob (Donna) Early of Chesley, Doug (Brenda) Early of Desboro and mother-in-law of Frank Cain of Chesley. She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Derek, Chris, Andrew, James, Devin, Troy, Tanya and great-grandchildren Stefany, Aryana and Milaina. Dear sister of Allan (Marylu) Albright of Rockford, Marie (Ronald) Swigger of Chesley and sister-in-law of Barbara Albright of Chesley and Sharon Albright of Wiarton. She was predeceased by her daughter Sue Cain (2018), grandson Anthony Jude, nephew Bruce Albright, brothers Edward, Harold, Louie Albright and her parents Leslie and Clara (Klages) Albright.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Sullivan (#682006 Concession 8 – two miles south of Desboro) on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment in Desboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
