Shirley Mae “Sue” Clara was born in Chesley on May 2, 1958 to parents William and Shirley (Albright) Early. She spent most of her early years living in Desboro and in time welcomed younger brothers Bill (1961), Bob (1962) and Doug (1965). During her youth Sue became very close with her grandparents, Clara and Leslie Albright, spending countless summers and holidays with them on their farm. She attended public school in Desboro before heading to Owen Sound and West Hill High School to complete her education.
After school, Sue started with Whittaker Cable in Owen Sound. It was during this time that Sue’s relationship with Francis “Frank” David Cain, high school sweethearts, flourished and the young couple soon married and were blessed with the arrival of their son Derek in 1975. Sue remained at home with Derek during his youth and did a little babysitting on the side. When Derek headed off to school she returned to the workforce with Electrical Contacts in Hanover. The Cain family had settled in Chesley and in the early 90’s Sue began to work in the Chesley Grocery Store, in the bakery department.
In her spare time Sue loved to garden. She spent countless hours outside in her flowerbeds enjoying nature and growing her beautiful clematis and roses. She also had a passion for cards, one of the many loves she shared with her husband. Get this, the two would actually wake up early daily so that they could play cards for an hour (3 games of cribbage) before work. Crazy! They played for big money too… a penny a point, whereby one owed the other a few dollars at the end of the year! 🙂
Sue also had a soft spot for animals, particularly cats. That is a really soft spot. The Cains had many cats over the years and on more than one occasion she fed and even paid for medical care of local stray cats. In terms of her cats, there were too many to name, but Stimpy was a particular favourite of Sue’s.
She was a classical rock fan and loved to attend live concerts at Casino Rama and in Toronto throughout the years. Favourite bands included but were not limited to, Poison, ACDC and Bon Jovi. Apparently, unlike many of us in this area, Sue did not like country music and would kindly ask Frank to change the station. On TV, she liked anything related to crime, with some of her favourites including NCIS, Criminal Minds and CSI. Oh yah, who could forget the sitcoms. She also enjoyed baking and would often share her talents when friends, family and her community were in need of support.
Family was very important to Sue. Whether it was Derek, her granddaughter Stefany, her brothers or any other family members, Sue always took the time to support and help out whenever possible. There were many fun times spent at the Maluskie farm over the years as well as at the cottage on Williams Lake. Sue’s kindness and generosity was ever present and she never forgot special occasions of the many people she loved. She will certainly be missed by her family and friends.
Sadly, Sue was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (a form of brain cancer) in October of 2017. She underwent several treatments, surgery and doctor’s appointments following her original diagnosis. She was tiny in figure, but strong in both body and mind, never giving up. In September, Sue became a resident of Chapman House. Here, she was supported by her friends and family as she lived out her final months. She passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2018 surrounded by her family and in the loving arms of her beloved husband. She was 60.
She will be loved forever by her husband of 42 years, Frank Cain. Cherished mother of Derek and grandmother of Stefany. Loving daughter of Shirley and Wayne Maluskie of Desboro and sister to Bill Early of Desboro, Bob (Donna) Early of Chesley Doug (Brenda) Early of Desboro. Sue will be sadly missed by Frank’s family Donna (Wayne) Duquette of Williamsford, Beth (Walter) Brown of Chesley, Shirley (Rob) Braun of Guelph and Robert (Karen) Cain of Chatsworth. Lovingly remembered by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers. Sue was predeceased by her father Bill Early and grandparents Clara and Leslie Albright.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday, November 14th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A funeral service honouring Sue’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Sullivan (#682006 Concession 8 – two miles south of Desboro) on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment in Desboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Chapman House or Chesley Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Sue’s family wish to thank all the loving staff at Chapman House and South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley for all their support over the last several months. It was truly appreciated.
