Obituary of Shirley Irene Cook (nee Branton)

Of St. Thomas, ON, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Monday, June 30, 2025, in her 81^st year.

Best friend and beloved wife for over 60 years to the late Peter Cook, who passed away April 29, 2024. Loved mother of Karen, Kathy (Todd Noble), and John. Cherished grandmother of Dawson. Sister of Sharon Simpson (Norm), late Jack Branton (Ruth), and the late George Branton (Margaret). Aunt to Holly, Sarah, and late Matthew, Rob, Leisa, and David. Step-grandmother of Tori (Carl Nogradi), Hailey (Von Valdez), Spencer and Gabby Noble. Step great-grandmother of Everett and Elliot Nogradi.

Born in St. Thomas, September 26, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Ethel (née Bradley) Branton. Shirley was the daughter-in-law of the late Lyle and Belva (née Lewis) Cook. She was a graduate of the Arthur Voaden Vocational School and Fanshawe College. Shirley worked at Northern Electric and was the former secretary/treasurer of Lyle Cook Automotive Service Centre. She was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas, and a past member of the Probus Club Port Stanley, Elgin Business Women’s Network, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Florida.

Relatives and friends will be received by the family on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 12:45-1:45 p.m. at the Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas. The funeral service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Following cremation, private interment in Elmdale Memorial Park. If so desired, please consider a memorial donation to S.A.L.T. (Saving Animals’ Lives Together), the Canadian Cancer Society, Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).