Cover for Shirley Ann Canfield's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Shirley Ann

Shirley Ann Canfield Profile Photo

Canfield

Oct 4, 1936 — Nov 1, 2026

Washington, Iowa

Funeral Services

Burial

November
7

Saturday

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

Send Flowers

Funeral Service

November
7

Saturday

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)

Send Flowers

Obituary

Shirley Ann Canfield, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at Halcyon House peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on November 1, 2026, at the age of 90. Born in Burlington, Iowa, on October 4, 1936, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Homer Glen and Ida Mae (Ferrington) Edwards. She lived a life full of warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community. Shirley was a proud graduate of Burlington High School, class of 1954. In 1956, she married Larry Canfield, with whom she shared four daughters. They later divorced.

A dedicated professional, she spent many years working in the hospitality industry in restaurant and motel management before retiring from Kinseth Hospitality Company in 1998. Her work was characterized by her integrity, compassion, and the ability to make everyone feel at home, qualities that extended beyond her profession and into her personal life.

Shirley was a nurturing and dynamic presence in the lives of her daughters, Chris (Tony) Forcucci, Susan (Earl) Wellington, and Julie (Harry) Walker. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Andrew (Jackie) Forcucci, Shannon Forcucci, AJ (Jacque) Walker, Ashtin (Jordan) Wells, and Katy Wellington, and her great-grandchildren, Ethan Forcucci, Kieran Forcucci-Earnest, Brooks, Avery, Ryker Walker, Elliott Leavens Wells, and Finn Wells. Shirley's siblings, Sharon (Fred) Leeper and Don (Nancy) Edwards, along with her brother-in-law Dick Mason, nieces, nephews, honorary son Brad Hardin and a host of extended family members also survive her.

Throughout her life, Shirley was an example of kindness and strength. She had a talent for refinishing furniture, possessed a remarkable green thumb, and was a successful gardener. She served as a Girl Scout leader, particularly memorable for organizing a garage full of cookies during the annual drive. Her home was a sanctuary where everyone felt welcome and you would often find a group enjoying a good game of Spoons, cards, or dominos. She was affectionately known as "Gram" or "Sug" to her family and many others who were fortunate to be touched by her kindness. Part of her charm was that no one ever wondered what she was thinking because she just told you!

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, her daughter Pamela Sue, and her sisters Marjory Davis, Margaret Akey, and Betty Mason. She also mourned the loss of nephews Milton Akey, Mike Akey, Jim Mason, Todd Edwards, Scott Edwards, her niece Peggy Akey, and brother-in-law Charles Akey. In her final years, Shirley found a loving community at Halcyon House, where she deeply appreciated and considered the staff as part of her family.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 7, in the Timmins Room at Halcyon House. Burial will be prior to the service, held at 1:00 PM at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Following the service at Halcyon House, there will be a time of refreshments and fellowship. In her memory, donations may be made to the Halcyon House Activity Department, a place that brought her great joy and comfort. Shirley's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the loving memories of her family and friends. She taught us the value of sincerity, the strength of family bonds, and the importance of welcoming everyone with open arms. Shirley Ann Canfield will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 138

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors