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It is with shattered hearts we announce the passing of our mother(in-law) and grandmother. Shirley Patricia Mouncey departed in her 89th year in the wee hours of March 24, 2025. Cradled by the love of her family, Shirley grew her wings and flew off to reunite with her departed love.
Born American, Shirley’s heart resided in Canada. She became a Canadian Citizen as soon as she attained the legal age to do so. Shirley married the love of her life, Donald Mouncey, and they worked hard to build their life together in Toronto, Ontario. Married for 67 years, Donald Mouncey had to leave her side earlier than planned and Shirley has spent every day of her life since missing him.
Shirley was the loving mother of Brian Keith (d 2008), Donna Patrice Schmitt (Michael Schmitt) and Cheryl Ann Mouncey (Roger Armstrong). She was the adored grandmother of Erik Schmitt (Camille Giffin) Madeleine and Phoebe, Julia Poyntz (Blair Poyntz) Mya and Nolan and Jaslyn Mouncey Park.
Over the years, Shirley worked as an Administrative and Payroll Specialist and was employed by many departments of the Ontario Civil Service - arguably her favourite department offered the roll of dessert-laden tea trolleys each afternoon.
Shirley was an avid crafter for many years – crocheting and knitting afghans and making quilts larger-than-life to give away. Her passions included floral gardens and finding dessert recipes for her husband to make her. She was an excellent seamstress who patiently passed along those skills to anyone who showed an interest.
The only thing Shirley loved more than her family was her pets. She had many over the years, always claiming to love dogs more than cats (said whilst stroking and loving on the cat on her lap).
In the face of ailing health, Shirley’s sense of humour and joy in teasing others never waned. We will miss her and her beautiful smile for the rest of our days.
A private graveside service has been arranged through MacCoubrey Funeral Home in Cobourg.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Hospice Quinte, Stan Klemancic Care Centre.
Special thanks to everyone involved in Shirley’s final care. From Ontario Health @ Home to Paramed Nursing for responding in crises. To the paramedics who assisted to bring Shirley to medical professionals and the emergency room nurses and doctors at Trenton Memorial Hospital who provided our family a special place to spend time with Shirley and for giving the best care they were able to. To the nursing staff of the 2nd floor who were able to pivot from a healing mindset to one of providing comfort care, we are grateful. To Dr. Ian Park, we owe a debt of gratitude for his care, concern and opinion with respect to Shirley’s ongoing care and well being. An especially heart-felt thanks and enormous gratitude goes out to Shirley’s (and Donald’s!) nurse Ashley whose experience and education were exactly what Shirley needed to find the peace she deserved.
Donna, my deepest condolences to you and everyone in the family. These goodbyes are so difficult and moms especially. Cami always talked about how lovely your mom was and this beautiful tribute reflects even more. Thinking of you all during this difficult time of loss. Carol
I think you already know how I feel, but right now, more than anything, I feel gratitude for the time I had with Shirley, and Don, and the rest of the family. My life has been changed, so much for the better, because of those shared times together.
Denise emailed me about your mom…..I smiled remembering our very strange mystical phone call conversation a few years back. May she rest in God’s presence in the arms of your Dad🙏❤️
Jack & I met Don & Shirley at the Cobourg YMCA. Once Don learned that I had lived in Hastings, our discussions were about who we know there, and what was going on with them now - my history lessons! Don & Shirley’ smiles were infectious and we are so pleased and blessed to have known and enjoyed them both! RIP
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing She & Don were two of the most kind & loving people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing I first met them both swimming at the YMCA & they both became very dear to me My deepest condolences