Shirley Frances Corbett
(June 24, 1938 – January 25, 2026)

Corbett, Shirley Frances (Crane), Daughter of Stephen Crane and Elizabeth (Fowler) Crane. The youngest of five children, Marjorie, Clarence, Doris, and Hubert, all of whom predeceased her. Shirley was born on Bell Island, Newfoundland, on June 24, 1938. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard (Dick) John Corbett. Shirley was the devoted mother of eight children: Ricky, Hubert (predeceased), Eddy (predeceased), Shawn (Leanne), Diane (Morgan), Derrick, Danny (Sandy), and Glenn. She was also a proud grandmother and great grandmother to several grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.
Shirley devoted her life to raising her children, always placing their needs ahead of her own. Through many hardships and challenges, she remained dedicated in her commitment to her family, ensuring they were cared for and never went without. She balanced full-time work with the responsibilities of home and family, carrying her duties with quiet strength, determination, and grace. Holidays and special occasions, especially Christmas, were times when she gave far more than she had, bringing her family together through hard work, love, and devotion, all while greeting those around her with a warm, ever-present smile that never faded. Like all families, there were times of worry and heartbreak, but she never stopped doing the best she could for those she loved. Her loyalty, resilience, love of life, and unwavering devotion to her family defined who she was, and she carried it all without complaint.
She also devoted much of her time to helping others, with a special place in her heart for charitable work, particularly supporting Friendship House in Brantford, Ontario.
Shirley passed peacefully at Brantford General Hospital surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
In keeping with Shirley’s generous spirit, those wishing to make a donation are encouraged to do so to support the homeless and those in need within their own community.
“Rest easy now, Mom, with the ocean close by. Your work is done, and the weight on your shoulders finally lifted. You carried more than your share, and you carried it well. We’ll mind what you taught us, look after each other, and keep your memory close. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”
11 Guestbook Entries
January 29, 2026 | Shirley Crane
To the Corbett family.. sending our love ,thoughts and prayers to you all at this sad time. Losing your precious loved one is never easy… Aunt Shirley was a truly special lady who loved her family so much . Keep those beautiful memories close as you take time to heal and reflect on her life’s journey.. RIP beautiful lady 🌹
Eric &Shirley Crane
January 29, 2026 | Viola (Corbett) McCullough
=*Shirley, I remember as if it were yesterday when you came into my life into my family. I was just a child but fully aware of just how special you were. My memories of you are of a woman full of love for her family. I will cherish your memory for as long as I live, and as I go forward, I take your loving kindness with me. And your smile that beautiful smile will truly be missed. My condolences to all of your family. We lost a great lady.. Rest in peace Shirley until we meet again. Viola
January 29, 2026 | Scott Crane
Ricky, Shawn, Diane, Derrick, Danny, Glenn & Family
I was heartbroken to hear about Aunt Shirley’s passing. She had a wonderful way of making everyone feel special and I will always cherish the fond memories of her.
Rest in Peace, Aunt Shirley – your memory will forever be a blessing.
Scott, Paulette, Brandon & Matthew
January 29, 2026 | Scott McCullough
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your mom.
She was such a gentle and loving presence, and we feel truly blessed to have known Aunt Shirley. We will always remember her warmth and the way she made everyone around her feel cared for.
Sending you all our love and wishing you gentler days ahead.
Le comhbhrón ó chroí. Beannacht Dé lena Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam — with heartfelt sympathy, and may God’s blessing and eternal peace be with her soul.
Scott, Laura, Gavin & Rachel McCullough
(Ottawa)
January 30, 2026 | Scott Corbett
Im so sorry, Aunt Shirley was such a kind person. I will never forget her beautiful smile and her caring nature. God love ya
January 31, 2026 | Cheryl Corbett
I had the great pleasure of knowing Shirley for most of my life she was a kind and generous person and always treated me with love. she will be sadly missed but never forgotten I’ll always keep a special place for her in my heart
Cheryl Corbett
February 2, 2026 | Shelley Marshall
Such sad news on the passing of my Godmother and Aunt. I remember one Christmas I wanted a jewellery box and Aunt Shirley gifted me a wooden jewellery box, dark walnut in colour, with two etched glass doors. There were hooks to hold my chains and separate areas for my rings and earrings. It was perfect! I was probably around 12 and I kept that jewellery box for almost 30 years before one of the doors finally broke – that’s how much I loved her gift.
Shirley was a sweet, kind lady who always had a smile for everyone. I am so glad that I got to see her in September at Kelley’s. May she forever rest in peace and may our memories of her carry us through until we get to see her again.
Shelley Marshall (nee Corbett)
February 3, 2026 | Olga Corbett
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Sorry for your loss.
Olga & Family
February 7, 2026 | Madonna
Shirley, thinking of you and the incredible woman that you are. Always the same wonderful way about you. I remember how much our aunt Winnie loved to visit, how you along with all of us cherished Winnie, and she loved you right back. I will never forget you, we were always there for each other. You have earned your peace. Our hearts go out to all of the family. God bless you with love, Madonna
February 7, 2026 | Maureen McCullough
Rest in peace Shirley, this is a big loss for the family, I will never forget you and all of the great memories we shared with family. Adrian Corbett
February 7, 2026 | Linda Corbett
My memories of you, Shirley will always be of a warm and kind woman who loved her family deeply and was deeply loved by all of us. Rest in peace.. Thinking of all of the family during this great loss. Love, Linda Corbett.