Obituary of Sheldon William Groce

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Sheldon William (Shelley) Groce, after a brief illness, on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in his 99th year.  Loving and beloved husband for 68 years of Doris Christine Groce (nee Boeckner) who predeceased him on January 21, 2015.  Cherished, adored and devoted Dad to daughters Mary Louise Oakes (Milne) and Nancy Collins (Garry).  Predeceased by his parents William and Anna Mae Groce, his sister, Ruth Birnstihl, his brother-in-law Jack Birnstihl, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vernon and Marie Boeckner as well as nephews David, Paul and Brian Birnstihl.  Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews and their families. 

The joy of Shelley’s life was his family.  He took great care of them, spending a lot of time with his daughters as they grew up.  He encouraged their studies and all of their sports activities.  When Doris became ill, he lovingly cared for her in her final months at home with the support of his family allowing her to pass peacefully in her own bed.

Shelley attended St. Jerome’s and Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate before joining B.F.Goodrich on June 14, 1939. Shelley was posted to Calgary in 1946 where he and Doris started their life together.  They returned to Waterloo in 1950 with Mary Louise now a part of their lives.  In 1953, Nancy was born to complete the family.  He retired from B.F. Goodrich as a Senior Executive 43 1/2 years later on December 31, 1982. 

Shelley was a natural athlete.  In high school, he played baseball, football and hockey.  He was a well-known pitcher with the Tigers Intercounty Baseball League from 1934 - 1946.  Throughout his life, he was a low handicap golfer with 3 holes in one and he played well into his 90s.  Shelley was also a great skater gliding across Victoria Lake arm in arm with Doris, the love of his life. 

After retirement, Shelley and Doris enjoyed golfing with family and friends.  As well, they travelled to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand plus many parts of North America.  Winters found them in Naples, Florida for a pleasant break from the cold. Their most cherished trips were those taken with Mary Lou and Nancy and their husbands, Milne and Garry. 

Shelley’s strength was his Catholic faith.  He has been a member of Our Lady of Lourdes since 1953. He was a gentleman with a sparkling personality who greeted each day with optimism, energy and a sense of humour.  After losing Doris, he soldiered on visiting Doris at the cemetery every day, living independently in his own home into his 99th year, driving, shopping, banking, doing his laundry, making meals and walking a mile every other day.  We will miss him tremendously. 

Our sincerest thanks to Dr. John Stewart, his family physician.  We are also grateful to Dr. Bridget Campbell, Dr. Sheila Russek, Julie Fisher, Colleen Semple and Sherri Fitzgerald.  Special thanks to all of the nurses on the 5th floor at St. Mary’s Hospital who helped Shelley live out his final days with comfort and dignity.  

Many thanks as well to Shelley’s great neighbours - Mark and Gudi, Lynne and Kirk, Geoff and Joanne.

Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Shelley during visitation at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street, South, Waterloo on Wednesday, January 30 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.  Parish Prayers at 6:45pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 173 Lourdes Street, Waterloo on Thursday, January 31 at 11:00 AM.  Reception to follow.  Interment at Parkview Cemetery the following day.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.  These donations may be arranged at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street, South, Waterloo or through www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

“Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand”.