Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Shirley A. Early passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, at the age of 94, with her family by her side. She was a resident of Edgewater, MD for 14 years and previously resided in Frederick, MD. She was born on November 10, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was the daughter of George and Ivy Dowse.

She is survived by her children: Jeffery Early (Denise) and Virgina Walter (Fred); her grandchildren: Kerrie Brown (Mike), April Saavedra (Eric), and Timothy Walter; her great-grandchildren: Stephen Kyle Stout (Grace), Giuliana Cobham (Victor), and Damian Wesley Cobham; her great-great-grandchildren: Nathalia Baires, Laila Baires, and her sister June Woodward, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Early; her son, Stephen Early; and her brother, Raymond Dowse.

Shirley enjoyed ice skating, singing, and track, and spent her summers swimming at her family’s lake house in Canada. At 19, she moved to the United States. Not long after settling, she met her future husband; they married in April 1952, raised three children, and remained together for 51 years until his passing in 2003.

Shirley was a vibrant strong woman who always made an impression. If you didn’t catch sight of her, you certainly heard her. Known for her fashionable outfits, she had a special fondness for handbags and stylish shoes. She loved bowling on the lady’s league, supporting her husband and family at social events and she took every opportunity to travel back to Canada with her family to visit her loved ones and cherished time spent with family and friends. She loved going on cruises or any vacation for that matter. Shirley, a devoted Redskins fan, spent many Sundays enthusiastically cheering "Come on, boys!" at the television. She also dedicated numerous years to working at The Bon-Ton, where she was honored as employee of the year and distinguished herself as the leading charge card sales associate.

She cherished her grandchildren deeply, enjoying every moment spent with them and frequently recounting stories from her childhood in Canada with them. Always their greatest supporter, she beamed with pride and eagerly shared their achievements with anyone willing to listen.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 11:00am until her funeral service begins at 12:00pm. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online <a href="https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-btn-donate-now">here</a>).

Shirley A. Early

Shirley A. Early

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