Voluntary worker in the Colne Valley and wife of former Examiner journalist Mike Shaw

produced children’s pantomimes.

Shirley bowed out of amateur productions on a high, playing the leading lady in the society’s 1958 version of Oklahoma!

She attended Linthwaite Methodist Church where she was once a member of the Young Wives Group and was chairman and a long-serving member of Linthwaite Ladies Guild. She was a former voluntary helper at Cowlersley Court Care Home.

Shirley was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the Royal British Legion for many years voluntary work as a Poppy Day seller.

Before her marriage, Shirley was a mender at John Edward Crowther in Marsden. She later worked for many years as caterer for the staff at Colne Valley High School.

She was a keen nature lover and birdwatcher, an avid reader and crossword solver and had a passionate love of gardening.

Shirley, who lived in Cowlersley, leaves husband Mike, a son Stephen, a daughter Julie, grandchildren Natalie and Jessica and great-grandson Lucas.

Mike said: “It was a wrench for Shirley when she gave up her amateur stage work because she was a complete natural both in straight plays and musicals. But she chose to devote herself to bringing up a family, a job which she did with great love and wisdom.

“Throughout our long life together she was always there to support me, and our children, two grandchildren and great-grandson were a sheer delight to her.”

A funeral service will be held at 11.15am on Friday, March 9, at Huddersfield Crematorium.