Langer, Shirley
Langer, Shirley Anne (née Shecter)
February 25, 1935 – May 8, 2024Shirley Anne Langer was the youngest daughter of Ruby and Himan Shecter. She is survived by her brother Melvin Shecter, predeceased by her sister Rose Rabovsky and brother Jack Shecter. She is deeply missed by her children Julia Langer (Kai Millyard), Stephen Langer, Valerie Langer (Nicole Rycroft), and Silvia Langer (Michael Klug), her grandchildren Arlie Millyard (Meg Clark), Raymond Langer, Lewis Klug and Sara Bernardez Lai, as well as nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, mishpochah and many friends. She mourned the terrible loss of her grandson, Oscar Langer Lai.
After news of Shirley’s decision to pursue MAID went out, a flurry of tributes and love letters came in. None were surprised that she would choose to exit on her own terms. Some common adjectives emerged: feisty, fun, wonderful friend, mentor, stylish, matriarch of the possible, activist, unconventional, adventuress, brave.
There were many compelling qualities to Shirley. She had a fabulous singing voice, a near encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, a great record collection and there was always music playing (good and loud) including Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow and Oscar Peterson. She could put together a tasty and healthy meal from what looked like nothing in the fridge. She was stylish head-to-toe from thrift shop finds, and she created home décor uniquely and beautifully hers with art and objects from her travels and friendships. She frequented live music venues, galleries and studios everywhere she went. She loved to walk, in nature particularly.
Shirley read all the time, and then began writing: poetry and children’s stories at first; a column on environmental issues; a novel – Anita’s Revolution, a fictionalized account of Cuba’s historic literacy campaign; a collection of short, true, quirky Tales of Tofino, the British Columbia town in a rainforest that became her heart’s home; and Just thinking… Just asking… Just saying…, a collection of poems, pro(se), cons & rants delving into social, political and emotional realms.
Born and raised in Ingersoll, Ontario, she described herself as a small-town girl who busted out - not just geographically but intellectually – aided and abetted by her former, now late husband, Joe Langer. The dynamic duo moved to Brooklyn where she finished her nursing degree and had their first two kids, to Windsor for their third, then to Cuba in 1964 to contribute to the Revolution, while 8 months pregnant with their fourth. Living in Cuba was an experience that she described as “formative” including lifelong friendships, an abiding dedication to progressive politics and social justice, and commitment to environmental protection.
Back in Canada in 1968, Shirley enjoyed a new community of leftist friends who affectionately adopted the moniker “Glen Manor Mafia”, a term use by their detractors frustrated with their effective advocacy for school reform, community improvements, and political campaigns.
The family moved to Brighton, Ontario in the 1970’s, where Shirley became the operator of The White House Inn. While providing much fodder for good stories, the experience caused her to remark many times over and until her dying day “what were we thinking?!”
Taking up home and community in Belleville, Ontario, her activist bones rattled again with involvement in the Quinte Environmental Resource Association. When QERA was stymied in getting a recycling program established, Shirley ran for Mayor with the team behind her and the goal of making it an election issue. Her upset win surprised many, even herself. Although not a seasoned politician, she ably took on the mantle and responsibility of “Her Worship” and got things done, including an energy efficiency retrofit of its arena, replacing chlorine water treatment with healthier ozonation and establishing a UN award-winning waste management program, all in just one term (1991-94). Shirley made a point of inviting the Chief of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Nation to her inauguration and ensuring they were on the dignitaries invite list for city events. She was deeply honoured to have the extension of the Bayshore Trail in Belleville named The Shirley Langer Recreational Trail in 2022; you can take a walk in her honour at the foot of Herchimer Avenue along the Bay of Quinte.
This same drive for action was evident in her work to protect BC’s ancient rainforests, where she and Joe moved following her mayoral term. She lived in Tofino, BC from 1995 to 2010, then Victoria, BC until 2020 when she moved to Toronto, Ontario to be closer to more members of her family.
Shirley made good friends everywhere she travelled, and she travelled a lot, rarely with a set plan, landing where the adventure and the people she met would take her. No party lasted long enough to outlast her! She held an intense interest in people from all walks and regions. Close friend, relative, acquaintance passing through or the barista at her favourite cafe, no one escaped her questions: were they in love? what did they think of a specific social issue? what music made them happiest? She kept in contact with over a hundred people through letters, calls and visits, maintaining long lasting relationships of substance and great fun. Her home was a refuge for some, a launching pad for others, and a hub for activists, culture, writers and communities of purpose.
On her final day she read her extended family one of her poems expressing her irrepressible desire to inspire a better world, kindness between people and peace. She chose MAID once Parkinson’s overwhelmed body and her joy. She really dressed for the occasion, put lipstick on (she never crossed a threshold without it), laughed with her family and literally passed smiling with love in her eyes.
As per Shirley’s wishes, donations may be made In Memory to Friends of Clayoquot Sound at www.focs.ca. A celebration of Shirley’s wonderful life will be held on Saturday, May 25 from 2-5; the Toronto location will be at the Centre for Social Innovation, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto; a link for virtual participation from 3-4 will be provided upon request to a member of the family.
