Obituary of Shirley (Harrison) Cookson/Partington

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Margaret Partington on Wednesday, Jun 30, 2021. Born in St Catharines on Oct 19, 1930, of parents George Harrison and Sadie Harrison. She was the eldest of two with a loving brother George (Jr.), who predeceased her, and a life-long friendship with her sister-in-law, Seija Harrison.

A devoted mother, Shirley is survived by an extended family of three children and their spouses: Brian (Andrea Cookson), Susan (Rowland Bell), and Michael (Beatrice Cookson). With extreme kindness, and wisdom, she shared her love with each of her grandchildren: Rowland, Kerstin, Savannah, Aislinn, Dana, Jeff, Hunter, Cheryl, Madelaine, and Amelia, as well as her three grandchildren, Gunnar, Annabelle, and Benjamin.

Shirley grew up in St Catharines, Ontario and in 1950 married Cecil (Cec) Cookson.  They started a family and their careers in Toronto, only to return to St Catharines after 16 years.  In 1982, Cec passed away at age 54. Returning to work in Toronto, Shirley later married Robert Partington, and together they enjoyed their retirement traveling frequently and spending time with family.  Robert passed away in 2003.

Shirley shared her passion and support of the St Catharines Rowing Club as a president and member of the Henley Island Helpers for over 50 years. She brought her personality and love of the community to endless regattas and club events, often working alongside her husband Cec, and with her close friends.

Shirley’s extremely positive and friendly attitude on life shone through.  She made anyone she met comfortable and took a genuine interest in them. She had an outgoing and fun personality and was always the person you wanted at a party or just to talk to.  She will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the family will host a graveside ceremony at Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catharines at 11:00am on Monday July 12, 2021.  

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