Paris Guiding icons retire after 75 years of combined service

Shirley Simons (left) and Marleen Cooper, affectionately known as the “Paris Neighbouring Guiders,” are stepping back after a combined 75 years of dedicated service with the Girl Guides of Canada, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, adventure, and community spirit.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Two longtime Girl Guide leaders are preparing to retire after an extraordinary combined 75 years of service to the Paris District, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, adventure and unwavering community spirit.

Shirley Simons and Marleen Cooper—affectionately known as the “Paris Neighbouring Guiders”—have each dedicated decades to empowering generations of girls through the Girl Guides of Canada. As they prepare to step back, they reflected on the profound impact it’s had on their lives.

Simons began her journey in 1981 when her daughter Andrea wanted to join Brownies. But there was one condition—she had to become a leader too.

“Corrinne McClure, Barb Sinclair and Kim McCrae said if I wanted to put my daughter in, I had to become a leader. So, I became a leader,” Simons recalled.

Cooper’s path began in 1996, about 15 years later, and followed a similar pattern. Though her daughter had already graduated from the program, Cooper had been an active volunteer on trips and camps. She was eventually recruited to become a unit leader—a role she credits with helping her come out of her shell.

“I have cerebral palsy, so it really helped me meet people and feel involved,” said Cooper, who has also served as the Paris District's cookie coordinator for the past decade. Though stepping down to a part-time role this fall, she will support new leaders as they transition in.

Simons started as a Brownie leader and quickly formed a close friendship with fellow volunteer Debbie Flewelling. Together, they led multiple units before launching the first Pathfinder program in Paris—an initiative born out of necessity when a group of graduating Guides had nowhere else to go.

After successfully establishing the Pathfinders, the pair moved on to Rangers, eventually helping to launch a Paris-based Ranger unit that Simons led until announcing her retirement last month. Over the decades, she also served as District Commissioner and sat on the Division Council.

Lifelong Memories and Lasting Friendships

The memories made over the years are countless, but a few standout moments continue to shine.

For Simons, the highlight was a 1995 trip to Europe with eight Rangers. The group visited the World Centre in Switzerland and spent five days in France, all funded through tireless fundraising efforts that included 96 separate events. They raised $32,000 to make the dream a reality.

“We stayed up until 2 a.m. making signs for dances at the Optimist Club, scrubbed the floors after, then ran car washes the next morning,” said Simons, laughing. “But it was the most wonderful trip, and we still have reunion dinners every few years—even now that those Rangers have kids of their own in Guiding.”

Cherish Gamble was one of the Rangers who travelled to Europe and for decades since then has valued Simons’ and Flewelling’s leadership.

“ These ladies were an incredible team and amazing role models. I travelled to Europe with them as a teen in Girl Guides and enjoyed their friendship so much I stayed on as a leader with them into my 40s. Shirley was such, and still is such a positive influence on my life, and  countless other Pathfinders and Rangers,” said Gamble. 

Cooper recalled a similarly memorable experience in 2005, when she joined McClure and 15 Guides for a trip to Mexico and the Girl Guide World Centre, Our Cabana.

“There were mishaps—one girl missed the flight, another lost her passport—but we had a blast,” she said. “We experienced the culture, toured the country, and the girls grew so much.”

Beyond the big trips, it was camping that created the deepest bonds. Simons and Cooper spent countless weekends at Camp Teka, Camp Impeesa, and even the African Lion Safari. In the 1990s, Simons estimates they camped up to eight times a year. They fundraised and bought their own gear, making them a self-sufficient unit.

“I’ve pitched so many tents over the years, I can’t do it anymore,” Simons admitted. “But I can give directions with my eyes closed.”

Camping was about more than tents and marshmallows. “It taught the girls independence, teamwork and a love of the outdoors,” said Cooper.

Simons chuckled as she recalled buying sturdy tents at K-Mart. “They were so good; I still have them today!”

More Than Just Badges

While the world around them changed, both leaders remained rooted in the values that made Guiding so rewarding—friendship, service, and quiet leadership.

“We always made sure the girls earned badges for their work—even if they didn’t realize it,” said Simons.

“Most of the time, they thought we were just having fun,” Cooper added.

They both agree that they were fortunate to lead during a time when things were simpler. Girls were eager to learn and build friendships, without the distractions of technology. While they value today’s emphasis on inclusion, they recognize that leading has become more complex.

“I think we had the best years,” said Simons.

As they retire, the legacy of Simons and Cooper will live on through the generations they inspired, the programs they built, and the stories they’ve shared around countless campfires.

“It’s a time for me to back off and let a younger leader take over with new ideas,” said Simons. For that reason, she will not lead a Rangers unit this fall. Instead, she will continue to host monthly leader meetings and become a part of the Trefoil Guild, an adult branch of Girl Guides, open to former members and supporters. “I’m going to miss the girls,” she quietly reflected.  She’s handing the reigns over to Tawnia Martel, whom she has complete confidence will continue to lead with enthusiasm and strong guidance. 

As for Cooper, who is stepping down to part time duties ahead of her planned retirement, it will be the Guides she misses the most. “I have girls that come up to me and still say ‘Hi Mrs. Cooper, how are you?’ It feels so good that they remember me.”

It’s been a life-changing experience for Cooper, who credits her time with Girl Guides of Canada for helping her develop the same confidence she worked so hard to instill in her Guides.

The Paris Girl Guide community won’t soon forget the passion, resilience and heart these two dedicated leaders brought to every meeting, every camp, and every moment in between.