Charlane Shortt

On September 28 2021, Charlane took her paddles out of the water for the last time. The ability to make someone laugh is a singular gift, and in this respect, Charlane was truly gifted. At any gathering, wherever you heard peals of laughter, she would be in the midst of it. A physical impersonation or a clever quip — she was the master. She provided the laugh track for our lives. At times, Charlane could hide that comedic talent under a gruff exterior that also covered her enormous kindness and loving heart. Charlane was born in Oshawa, Ontario on April 9, 1946, the youngest of six children of Donald John (Jack) and Chloris Patricia (Hartrick). Much to the surprise of her teachers, the young comedian grew up to work as an accountant and auditor. She then went on to consult independently in Financial Control Regulations. Charlane retired in 2015 from the serious business of making a living, but she never ceased her true calling as laugh-maker. While her comedic talents might make her seem light-hearted, she had a fiercely serious commitment to ensuring access for individuals with developmental disabilities. For over 30 years, Charlane advocated to ensure that disabled children and youth were given every opportunity to thrive. Spending time as a child at the family cottage, north of Huntsville Ontario, instilled a lifelong love of the outdoors, and Charlane was most content on the water: kayaking, canoeing, sailing, swimming or just being. Other interests (such as skiing, golfing, baseball, Canadian fiction, drawing, photography, film and theatre) gave Charlane great enjoyment. She also loved travelling the globe, from Botswana to Nunavut, Machu Pichu to Paris and much more. Yet, she loved coming back home. She was a proud Canadian who boasted that she had seen all of Canada from coast to coast to coast. Charlane is survived by: her spouse, Sharon; stepdaughter, Angela Dell, of Oshawa; brother, William Shortt, of Port Perry; sister, Gloria Cowx, of Toronto; and generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceasing her was her daughter Nicole Dell (d.2019) whose loss was still deeply felt; stepsons, Steven Dell (d.2005) and Michael Dell (d.2017) who were gone too soon; her father (d.1965) whom she dearly missed; her mother (d.2007); her beloved sisters, Claudette Loring (d.2006) and Colleen Lawrence (d. 2018); her dear friend and sister-in-law, Sharon Shortt (d.2002). Celebration of Life Event In keeping with Charlane’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, a celebration of her life will take place. Date & Time: Saturday October 23, 1:00pm – 4:00pm Location: Jubilee Pavilion, 55 Lakeview Park Avenue, Oshawa RSVPs - To attend the event in person, please RSVP by October 12 to the following email address with the number of people in your party who will be attending in person: rsvp.for.in.person@gmail.com . - To attend the event virtually, please RSVP to the following email address: rsvp.for.virtual@gmail.com . Current Provincial Covid Regulations For In-Person Attendance - Mask-wearing is required indoors for all attendees over 2 years of age. - All attendees 12 years and older must show one of the following, at the door: - official signed vaccine certificate and provincial ID (such as driver’s license or health card) OR - receipts verifying 2 Covid-19 vaccines received before September 8 and provincial ID OR - proof of a negative Covid test taken less than 48 hours before the event. Those attending are asked to honor Charlane by wearing her favorite attire — shorts, over warmer clothes if you wish. Share a funny story, as it would please her to leave you all laughing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sunrise Youth Group (Whitby) or Down Syndrome Association of Ontario.

Charlane Shortt

September 28, 2021