Obituary of Shirley Elizabeth Daynard

Daynard, Shirley Elizabeth Shirley Elizabeth Daynard (Hodge, Graves), surrounded by her loving family, peacefully departed on the evening of Monday, March 18, 2024, just shy of her 94th birthday on April 1. Shirley, the cherished widow of Maurice Daynard (December 2023) and William Hodge (July 1989), was a beacon of love and strength to all who knew her. A devoted mother to Cynthia (Greg) Baker and Ronald (Robert Hijman) Hodge, Shirley also embraced her role as stepmother to Carol (Bill) Welch and Cheryl (John) Scorgie. She took immense joy in her grandchildren Erin (Brent) Nickle and Patrick (Brooke) Malloy, as well as her step-grandchildren Brittany (Drew Kinnear) Baker, Jordan Baker, Joshua (Sheena) Scorgie, Christina (Joel) Booker, Maria (Kevin) Trace, Leslie (John) Qualls, Matthew (Amanda) Welch, and Peter Welch. Shirley's legacy extended to her great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, where she found endless delight. Born the second eldest of 14 children to Mary and Reginald Graves of Nova Scotia, Shirley's early years were marked by resilience and a strong familial bond. Raised initially in Massachusetts before returning to Nova Scotia, Shirley's journey was one of determination and perseverance. After studying in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Shirley pursued her passion for nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse. Her career led her to Smiths Falls, Ontario, where she began her lifelong dedication to caring for others at Smiths Falls Public Hospital. It was here that she met her first love, William (Bill) Hodge, with whom she shared 33 years of love and companionship until his passing. In the wake of Bill's death, Shirley found solace and love again with Maurice, whose own loss brought them together. Their union spanned over three decades until Maurice's recent passing, marking a lifetime of love and shared experiences. Shirley embraced life with vigor, finding joy in travel, camping, and the art of tole painting. Yet, above all else, family was her greatest treasure. To her children, grandchildren, and extended family, Shirley was a pillar of strength and love—a role model whose memory will forever be cherished. In her own words, Shirley reflected, "I've lived a good life." And indeed, she did. Her legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Friends are invited to meet with the family at the Lannin Funeral Home on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 1:00pm till 3:00pm. A private family graveside service will take place immediately following the visitation at Maple Vale Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Calvary Bible Church or the Ottawa Heart Institute would be greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Lannin Funeral Home. Online condolences available at www.lannin.ca