With immense sorrow, our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother on March 22nd at Riverview Care Centre surrounded by loving family.

 

Shirley’s memory is cherished by her devoted husband Ron of 31 years; loving daughter Jennifer (David) and loving son Christopher (Jenny); precious grandchildren Jackson, Avery and Azalea; brother Bryan (Yayah); along with numerous extended family and treasured friends.

 

Shirley’s spirit was like no other; often referred to as “one-of-a-kind”. Her generous heart and overwhelming, caring nature left a lasting impact on the lives of everyone she knew. Shirley was a devoted mother to her two children, well into their adult lives. Her incredible resilience supported her family during challenging times and she was the source of calmness, strength and understanding when her children needed her most. As an intuitive healer, she was always there to listen and could absorb even the most difficult of life circumstances with ease. Shirley’s nurturing character blossomed when she became a grandmother to Jackson and Avery and later Azalea. The unconditional love she gave to them will live in their hearts forever.

 

Born in Portage La Prairie, Shirley grew up in the West end of Winnipeg attending Tech-Voc High School. As a teenager, she spent much of her free time at the Broadway Optimist Community Club meeting up with friends and playing hockey at the outdoor rink. This is where she met her husband Ron in the early 1960s when they were both in high school.

 

During her working years, Shirley was an instrumental resource at London Life as an Executive Assistant in the wealth management sector; later working at the University of Manitoba supporting student group associations (UMSU). She worked tireless hours and would always find the energy to “get it done without any excuses.” Many of her employers would often say, “Shirley, I honestly don’t know what I would do without you.”

 

The cabin on Star Lake was Shirley’s home away from home as she spent many summers on the dock with Ron, watching her grandchildren splashing and playing in the water. Shirley and Ron loved living out their dream retirement at “the Lake”, as it was a place of peace and solitude. If you dropped in to see them, you would often spot Shirley tending to her flowers or sweeping the leaves off the deck and walkways. Evening bonfires were also a favourite experience for Shirley, as she could spend hours slowly swaying in her green swing chair, looking out at the lake sunset in a peaceful, reflective state.

 

Shirley also loved to travel. She was able to enjoy many sun-filled vacations with family and close friends over the years. Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii and California were some of her favourite beach destinations, as Shirley, Ron and her 2 children created many great memories during her travels.

 

Shirley was a “hockey mom” and supported Chris’ hockey career for many years. She woke up early, drove countless kilometres and made many sacrifices, all in an effort to support her son’s passion as a hockey player. Even after a tough game, Shirley always remained positive and would be there for a post-game pep talk on the car ride home.

 

Her enjoyment of physical fitness became more than a hobby as she pursued many titles as a female amateur bodybuilder in Manitoba. She also became a member of MABBA (the Manitoba Amateur Bodybuilding Association). Despite her busy schedule as a working mother of two young children, Shirley showed up daily for her 6:00 a.m. training session at Gold’s Gym in St. James. She was respected by peers and competitors for her discipline and dedication to the sport of fitness and bodybuilding.

 

Shirley’s artistic creativity could be seen in the many beautiful crafts she made for friends and relatives over her lifetime. She took pride in her ability to bring special meaning to each and every occasion, either cooking, sewing, decorating, crocheting or crafting. She was also a sorority sister of the Winnipeg Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

 

Shirley pursued community and charitable causes during the course of her life, unselfishly giving back to those in need of help. She was a consistent caregiver to her mother, Velva Little, ensuring she was always at her side. Even during her own time of illness, Shirley and Ron volunteered their time as drivers for “Meals on Wheels”.

 

Shirley maintained her positive, gracious outlook throughout her life, even as she faced the progressive challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to Riverview Care Centre staff, especially those on Unit 3C for their compassionate care during Shirley’s final years.

 

In Accordance with Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of Shirley’s very memorable life is forthcoming.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Shirley’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre Winnipeg. Please visit Alzheimer.mb.ca or rhc.mb.ca/rhc-foundation to make a donation in memory of her generous, giving spirit.

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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.

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Forget ~ Me ~ Not

Author Unknown

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I give you this one thought to keep
I am with you still - I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain

When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not think of me as gone -
I am with you still - with each new dawn.

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