Shirley Margaret McBrien was born on May 19th, 1929, to loving parents Bert and Millie. She was the fourth of five children in a large and loving extended family. She was born in the small town of Deloraine, MB, where she enjoyed country life to the fullest. She loved going to Fox's General store, playing baseball and attending dances and local hockey games her younger brother, Laverne. She was very close to her sisters Eleanor and husband Albert, and Myrtle and her husband Tom. Eleanor and Albert, whose church at Swan Lake recently acquired a handsome young minister, Murray Pippy, thought they would invite Murray to dinner the same night Shirley was invited. It was love at first sight. They were secretly engaged only 2 weeks later! And it stayed a secret for some time for fear of what the parishioners might think!

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Shirley and Murray started married life in Swan Lake, and were tickled pink when daughter Susan Ruth was born. Murray joined the RCAF shortly after the wedding and they were posted to Macdonald, Manitoba. The next posting took them to Metz, France, where daughter Joanne Lorraine (Jody) made her debut. From France they moved to Saskatoon, Montreal, Rivers (MB), Ottawa, Winnipeg and Toronto. Wherever their moves took them they developed lasting friendships.

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Shirley worked tirelessly with Murray in his ministry and loved the life she shared with him in the military. She was active in base chapels’ women’s groups, and all of the fundraising activities, including bazaars. Murray retired in Toronto after 25 years in the military, and they enjoyed a new phase in their life when he answered a call at Wilmar Heights United Church. After 2 years, wanting to be closer to grandchildren, they returned to Winnipeg where Murray was the chaplain at Seven Oaks Hospital.

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Shirley was known for her flair for fashion and interior design as well as elegant dinner parties. She loved entertaining and invitations to Shirley’s dinner parties were eagerly accepted. You could be assured of delicious food, wonderful company and engaging conversations, as well as a variety of music and games. Shirley loved hosting bridge parties and church functions. Her door was always open and everyone received a warm welcome. Shirley was always there to offer caring and compassionate support to those in need.

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After Murray’s passing Shirley continued to try to live an independent life to the fullest. When it became apparent that she needed more assistance, she moved to River Park Gardens, where she received loving care and enjoyed participating in all the activities.

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Shirley always said her family was her legacy. She is survived by daughters Susan Bernjak (Ferd) and Jody Brown (Steven – predeceased). Shirley is also survived by her much-loved grandchildren and greatgrandchildren Lori Fraser (Blair; Hailey and Isla), Kris Bernjak (Sophie and Maddy), Carly Bernjak (Evan Schroeder; Isaac and Dylan) Andria Green (Sean; Henry and Nolan), Steven Bernjak, Mark Brown (Taryn; Mark’s daughters Miqaela and Kiera) Jonathan Brown (Kamini; Willow), Bethany Wall (Darcy; Scott and Kennedy). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

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Shirley's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.