Alton, Shae (Cheryll Ann)

Mar 20, 2024

June 26, 1944 - February 10, 2024

Our mum, wife, sister and Nana – Shae – beloved wife of Richard, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the age of 79. Shae was born in London, England on June 26, 1944, and resided at Cole Lake near Verona, Ontario at the time of her passing.

Shae was a graduate from Lisgar Collegiate and Ontario Teacher's College with her teacher’s diploma. She was a member of several organizations and volunteered her time to various causes. Shae's passion was being a junior kindergarten teacher, and her family fondly remembers her saying that she loved being able to teach children before the world got its hands on them and ruined them. Later in life, Shae was a very proud graduate of Ottawa University, earning her bachelor's degree with Magna cum laude honors.

One of Shae's most memorable vacations was in 2014 when she, Richard, Tyler, Nancy, and the boys traveled to Ireland to explore Richard's heritage. It was a multi-milestone celebration – Shae’s 70th birthday, Richard’s 75th birthday and their 50th wedding anniversary. It was an adventure filled with visits to ancient ruins, majestic castles, and hidden churches. Shae and her family enjoyed dancing, drinking, and singing, creating cherished memories that will be passed down for generations.

Shae met Richard, and after only few dates, they knew they were meant to be together and were married shortly thereafter. One year later they welcome Timothy and a year after that, Tyler. This was the start of a true love story for the ages.

After retirement, Shae and Richard spent almost two decades wintering in Mesa, Arizona where they built countless deep friendships with other snowbirds from around North America. The stories of winters spent in the south were filled with endless parties, parades, kitchen bands, aquacise all with friends and family. Their summers were spent at the house they built on Cole Lake near Verona, Ontario. Mum was the first one into the lake in the Spring (a skinny dip on her birthday to the chagrin of many fishing derbies!), and she was last one out in the Fall. She would float on the water almost every day on her air mattress, in the bay tethered to the dock by a long rope.

Shae will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Richard, and her two sons, Timothy and Tyler (Nancy), as well as the triplet boys and their families. She was also a proud Nana to five grandchildren: Reed (Jordan), James (Amy), Griffin, Tressa (Nick), and Melia. Shae was Nana to Justin and Maren (Sean) as well. She is also survived by her sisters Joan (Norm), Penny (Jeff), and Kathy.

Shae was predeceased by her parents Lou & Betty, her brother Peter and her nephew Shawn. She was also predeceased by her loyal and loving dog Caliber and grand dogs Libby & Guinness. They’ve been waiting for you to throw the ball, Nana.

She will be most remembered for her unwavering love for her family and friends, and her welcoming nature. Nana's door was always open, and she made everyone feel like family. Her legacy will live on in the hundreds of children she taught, her colleagues, and anyone lucky enough to have been welcomed into her world.

Shae Alton’s Celebration of Life Garden Party will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Oakwood Cottage (1165 Dalton Lane) at Cole Lake at 2 p.m. Shae loved the colour purple and wearing hats for all occasions so we encourage everyone to show up in Nana style!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Humane Society in Shae's memory.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."
- Eskimo Proverb