Passed away peacefully at Riverview Gardens, surrounded by her family, on January 4, 2021. She was born on September 18, 1923, in Anderdon Township, Essex County. Her dear husband, Murray Gilbert, predeceased her in 1990. She was the daughter of Percy and Beatrice Vollans, and sister to Gloria, all predeceased.  Shirley will be deeply mourned by her children – sons Jim (Lisa) Gilbert and Brian (Wanda) Gilbert, and daughters Sue (Randy) McIntyre and Sandy Rader (Stephen), and grandchildren Paul (Annie) Gilbert, Cherie (Todd) Wood, Brittany (Kevin) Arthur, Rachel (Paul) Vandenberk, Kelly (Brad) Muddle, Katie McIntyre, Nicole (Jordan) Maynard and Jarrod (Kayla) Rader. Also missing her are seventeen great-grandchildren, and dear family friends Les and Georgie Waters, Marg and Heather Adams. Shirley is predeceased by her son Michael, who passed away in infancy, her son-in-law Ron Rader and grandson Jamie Gilbert..  Survived by her in-laws Jean Gilbert, Mary Ellen Mortier, Evelyn Patterson, and Dick and Ruth Gilbert. Predeceased by sisters and brothers-in-law Jean and Gerald Jones, Nora and Percy Herbert, Glen Gilbert, Eldon and Mary Gilbert, Bert Mortier, Velma and Ken Rose, and Ross Patterson. Murray and Shirley enjoyed many years on the Raleigh Township farm. They were blessed to experience many travel opportunities together.  Shirley was an avid reader, gardener, sewer and cook. She shared her wonderful gifts generously with family and friends. Each child and grandchild enjoyed her many culinary skills and had their own special requests and relationship with this caring and creative woman. Shirley lived a long and fruitful life. We shall not see her like again. She will be missed greatly. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or the Canadian Association of Mental Health are welcomed. A visitation will take place on Friday January 8, 2021 from 9 -11 am at Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc. (397 McNaughton Ave W., Chatham). Those planning to attend visitation must pre-register by calling 519-351-4444 to reserve a time slot, as the current COVID-19 restrictions allow 10 persons at a time. We appreciate your patience as we continue to follow all guidelines set out by health officials and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario.