Shirley Cameron

With great sadness we announce that Shirley Ethel Cameron, 92, of Agoura Hills, California, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on February 28, 2023.  Shirley was born on May 5, 1930, to Rose Lowe (nee. Willoughby) and Francis (Frank) Palmer Lowe, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.  She was baptized at St. Mark’s Church (Church of England) in Orangeville, in February of 1943.

Shirley graduated from Orangeville High School in July of 1948, then attended St. Michael’s Hospital School of Nursing, in Toronto, in 1949 and 1950.

On June 7, 1952 she married Philip George Cameron, of Caledon, Ontario, a handsome devil who had just graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  They had been high school sweethearts since 1947.

Shirley and Philip enjoyed 70 years of marriage, devoted to each other and inseparable until Philip’s death on January 24, 2022.  They raised five children together:  James (68), Michael (66), Valerie (62) Terri Lynn (60) and John David (deceased in 2020 at age 52).

Shirley is also predeceased by her sister Joan Herteiz and her brother Bill Lowe.  She is lovingly remembered by 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Shirley was a true independent spirit, who marched to her own drum during an era when women’s roles were more narrowly defined.  She became a nurse, but drove stock cars in local races for fun.  There is no record of her wins, but judging by her lead-foot later in life, we’re certain she did.  

The family moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1959, building their first house in the historic Village of Chippawa in 1960.  During her years as a homemaker in Chippawa she was also an accomplished artist, painting in oils and watercolors, and served on the board of the Niagara Falls Art Association.  Her curious nature led her to become an amateur geologist after taking night classes in Geology.  Her restless spirit also caused her to join the Canadian Women’s Army Reserve, in which she excelled at marksmanship.  She joined the local kennel club and proudly showed her award winning Basenji dogs, Faro and Zozer.  She was also a devoted cat person, and there were always cats underfoot wherever she lived.

The family then moved to Brea, California in 1971.  Shirley adapted quickly to her new life there, making friends and becoming involved in the local art scene.  She also served in numerous community organizations, including the movement to bring back American POW’s held in Vietnam. 

She believed in self improvement throughout her life, acquiring diplomas from the School of Floristry in San Bernardino, CA, from the Community College District, North Orange County, as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), from the Riverside Unified School District for Unit Secretary training, and even got a diploma for the Wilton Method of Cake Decorating.

Both Phil and Shirley became American citizens.  They moved to Appleton, Wisconsin and lived there for 5 years before returning to California, this time to live in Placentia.  They later moved to Agoura Hills, where they resided until their deaths. 

Throughout her life Shirley read voraciously, especially science fiction, but she’d never turn down a good mystery or historical novel.  Shirley provided a strong and independent role model for her five children, which has served them well in their lives.   Her love of the arts, and reading, and her boundless curiosity, set an example to her children to live fully, and to follow their imagination wherever it might lead.  She overcame two heart attacks and the amputation of her left arm to continue as a strong matriarch to her family.

In her last years, even though frail and lacking mobility, she inspired the young women who cared for her with her indomitable spirit.  Everyone who knew her had their lives enriched by her kindness, her humor, her intelligence, and her strength of will.   She will be deeply missed by all.  Her ashes will be mixed with Philip’s as they are gently scattered into the Pacific Ocean, where they will be together always.