Shirley Marie Laing

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Shirley Marie Laing (nee. Stoyles), age 86, on October 21, 2026, at the Western Long-Term Palliative Care Unit, following a lengthy battle with dementia and cancer.

Born on Bell Island, Newfoundland, Shirley’s life was one of many chapters. She lived through hardships with resilience, navigating life’s challenges in her own way and on her own terms. She was a woman who lived her own story fully, with all its complexity and heart. The greatest chapter of her life was the one she shared with the love of her life, Otto Laing. Together for 36 devoted years, they built a beautiful family filled with love, memories, and adventure that stretched across the country – through Newfoundland, Labrador, Ontario, and New Brunswick; back and forth a few times. Through every mile and every move, the love created within her family will be felt for generations.

Otto predeceased her in 2001, and there is some comfort in knowing they are together again. Shirley is survived by her beloved children: Tony Laing (Lynn), Bonnie King (Wade), Tina Middleton, Myrna Kielley, Corey Laing (Patricia), and Neil Laing (Laina); She was also lovingly survived by her grandchildren: Courtney Laing, Kelsey Wiebe (Tyler), Robyn Foley (Jonathan), Ryan Park (Emily), Douglas King (Cassandra), Angie Deford (Brian), Bradley Maxwell, Natalie Middleton, Vanessa Middleton, Avery, Ethan, and Tatum Laing, Bailey Laing, Eiryn Laing (fiancé-Oliver), and Piper Laing. Shirely was also blessed with her great-grandchildren: Liam and Jayden (children of Courtney), Travis and Otto (children of Kelsey and Otto), Fin, Charlotte, and Lydia (children of Robyn and Jonathan), Aiden (child of Ryan and Emily), Colton (child of Douglas and Cassandra), and Avia and Brooks (children of Angie and Brian).

She is further survived by her siblings: Helen Delaney, Eleanor King, Rita Proulx, and John Stoyles (Karen); along with many beloved nieces, and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband: Otto Laing (2001); her first husband: Frank Parsons; siblings: Frances (Stoyles) and Ambrose Stoyles; sisters and brother-in-law: Madonna (Flynn) Stoyles, Doris (Laing), and Richard Randell.

The family would like to thank the staff at Western Long-Term Care for the care and devotion during her final years.

There will be no formal visitation or funeral service at this time. A memorial service and interment will be announced at a later date.