Shirley VandenBrand, 67, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away suddenly on April 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 8, 1957, in Fort Frances, Ontario, to Hazel and Andrew Pollard, Shirley dedicated much of her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband of over 50 years and their two children.
Shirley met her life-long love, John, in their early years of life at a Stratton Dance and they were married on November 9, 1974. After their marriage, Shirley and John moved to Dryden, Ontario, where they started their family. In 1981, they moved home to the family farm in Pinewood, Ontario. After raising her children, Shirley began work at Riverside Health Care as a cook in 1998 and later retired in 2015.
Following her retirement, Shirley found many new hobbies and maintained her busy lifestyle, including playing pickleball in Stratton, travelling, and spending the sunny, summer days at their camp on Rainy Lake.
Shirley’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family, fostering a loving environment. She was known for trying new recipes, always having treats on the table for coffee, and her holiday gatherings were eagerly anticipated by family. Shirley’s love for nurturing things was evident in her beautiful garden and flower beds, which she lovingly tended to for decades. She was always very proud of her house and yard.
Shirley is survived by her husband John; son Kevin VandenBrand and daughter Nora (Mike) Plasky; and cherished grandchildren Daniel, Montana, Jordyn, and Josh. She also leaves behind her brothers Bob (Carol), Alton (Donna), Russell (Louise), and Wayne (Joyce); sisters Donna (Karl) and Bernice; brothers-in-law Rene (Donna), Ed (Alex); sisters-in-law Anita (Doug), Leona (Vern), Yvonne (Allan), Hannah (Terri), Annette, and Connie (Murray); and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her mother Hazel Pollard; father Andrew Pollard; brother Glen; sister Judy; and mother and father-in-law John and Josephine Vandenbrand.
Funeral services was held on Saturday, April 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church in Pinewood, Ontario. Burial is set to occur at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
