Shirley (Canterbury) Cary

"Together now forever"

Age 93, of Canton, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.  Shirley was born on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1930 in Wooster, OH a daughter of the late George Alfred Canterbury and Esther (Evans) Miller. She was part of the greatest generation, growing up in the depression era and WWII she obtained a strong work ethic, honesty, and value of family from her parents.

Shirley graduated from Lehman High School in 1948. She was active in Leaders Club and voted senior attendant of the queen's court. Her boyfriend, and head cheerleader of the Lehman Polar Bears, Arden Cary, would later become her husband of 52 years before his passing in 2002.

Shirley would say, "what I wanted most in life was to become a mother", and what a wonderful mother she was. While residing in Dallas, TX for 11 years she was a seamstress for her daughters, drove carpools for her children, worked in the juniors department at Sanger-Harris, and found time to be a girl scout leader. In 1971 the family moved to Canton to take over her father's business, Can-Do Promotions, that is now in its 65th year.

Shirley enjoyed being a member of the Garden Club, golfing at Congress Lake C.C., volunteering for the Canton Symphony, playing bridge and being active in Zion Lutheran Church's congregation for 50 years.

In addition to her parents, and loving husband Arden, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Lt. Col. George Canterbury, sisters Joanne Wildey, Marilou Canterbury, and son-in-law, Allen Schulman.

She is survived by her brother, Dr. Dan Canterbury (Lois) of Melborne, FL.; four children, Michael A. Cary (Donna) of Houston, TX., Jill Hutsell (Randy) of Jackson Twp., Christine Schulman of Canton, and Joel (Lisa) Cary of N. Canton; six grandchildren, Jeana Hutsell, Ryan Hutsell, Ashley Cary Rich (Anthony), all of Canton, Stephanie Cary Walker of Ashville, NC, Brittany Cary of New Orleans, LA, and Joshua (Kelli) Cary of Columbus, OH.; three great grandchildren, Marco, Naomi, and Lia; and many nieces and nephews.

Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years.

Think how she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing, but our sadness can really pass away.

And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched – for nothing loved is ever lost – and she was loved so much.

Services will be held Sat., Oct. 26th at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in North Canton with Pastor Mark Sherwindt officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley's name may be made to MacDowell Music Club of Canton, and mailed to Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702. Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 456-4766