Shirley Haines Cannon
October 22, 1942 – January 26, 2026
Shirley Green Haines Cannon passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by her family. Her final moments were filled with peace and love, and she was especially comforted that her husband of 41 years, Father Chuck Cannon, was able to administer her last rites as she took her final breaths. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Chuck; her children: Ric (Mia, Kai and Zak), Karl (Jennifer, Matt and Hannah), Jennifer (Dalton, Brighton, Alex and Julia), and Benjamin (Tiffany, Parker and Emma); her stepchildren: Liz (Mike, Chris, Lori, and Kerry), Becca (Natalie, Nicole, Yonex, and Noah), and Sandy (Mel, Tani and Emily); and 12 “great-grands,” as she affectionately called them. She also leaves behind brothers Gaylord, Todd and Quayne, sister Kimbra, and many nieces and nephews.
Born on Oct. 22, 1942, in Gillette, Wyoming, she didn’t stay long. In her early years, Shirley lived boldly and creatively as a performing artist. She was a professional dancer, barrel racer, circus performer and even flew high as a trapeze artist. The stage – and the air – were where her strength, grace and fearless spirit first took flight. She moved through the world with vitality, artistry and an undeniable presence.
In her mid-30s, Shirley moved to Homer, Alaska, where she would spend more than a decade. Homer became the turning point of her life – a place of growth, grounding and self-discovery. It was there that she deepened into herself, embracing independence, creativity and a profound love for nature and the community. She would always say that Homer was her true birthplace, as it was there that she became the woman she was meant to be.
True to her adventurous spirit, Shirley once again chose the horizon. She left Homer with her then new husband Chuck after they fell in love in the rigging of the Carthaginian, to begin a new chapter at sea, sailing the Pacific in pursuit of discovery and freedom. That journey ultimately brought them back to Lahaina, Maui, where she entered another meaningful season of life. There she served as a clergy wife at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, offering warmth, strength and creative energy to the community around her. Her spiritual grounding and generous heart left a lasting impression on many.
For the past 25 years, Shirley made her home in Point Roberts, Washington – a place she cherished for its beauty, quiet seclusion and natural surroundings. There, she enjoyed retirement with Chuck surrounded by the peace she so deeply valued. Her days were filled with gardening, friendship and her beloved chickens. She passionately led tai chi classes and Knee Club. There were trips taken, family gatherings and celebrations, and many wonderful meals with family and friends.
To know Shirley was to know passion. She took risks. She continued to reinvent herself by never settling. She followed the call of adventure again and again. Whether dancing, sailing, creating art, leading exercise classes or simply sharing conversation with food and drink, she inspired others to live fully and love deeply.
Her guiding words, “Love is all there is,” were more than a saying – they were the foundation of her life. She believed in love as a force, a truth and a legacy – and left her mana wherever she went.
The family would like to extend the deepest appreciation to RB and the rest of the team at Whatcom Hospice Society for guiding her final days with dignity, compassion and grace.
At her request, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Park in Point Roberts, Washington. All who knew and loved Shirley are welcome to gather, share stories and honor a life lived courageously and beautifully.
Shirley’s spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her. May we honor her by taking the leap, embracing the journey and remembering always that love is all there is.
