It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Shirley Ward (nee McDonald) in Vernon, BC. Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years Merv, parents Cecil and Hazel McDonald, brothers Morley, Ross, Bruce, Wesley and sisters Jean Clisby, Inez and Ruth. She is survived by her children Cindy (George) Gaab, Sandi (Warren) Gehring, Carla Peters (Mike Schneider) and son Michael Ward, grandchildren Amber Allen, Chelcey (Rory) Bonebrake, Nikole Peters (Josh Knaak), Chance Peters (Kaitlyn Swan), Johnee Ward, Lucee Ward, great grandson Jordan Gehring and great granddaughter Jade Allen. She is also survived by her beloved cat Alley whose company she treasured. Shirley was born February 24, 1936 in Ninette, Manitoba in the middle of a winter storm and from there on she was a tough prairie girl. Raised on the family farm in Ninette she met her high school sweetheart Merv and he fell for the "little red hair girl from across the lane". Married in 1953 they started their family together in Brandon, MB. Merv's career led to several moves across the prairies which included Saskatoon, Thompson MB, Regina, Calgary, Fort McMurray and back to Regina with final move for retirement to Vernon BC. With each move Shirley made many lifetime friends with their active social life and Mom's lifelong competitive spirit that saw her excel in bowling, then golf and of course her love of cards with Bridge and Cribbage her games of choice. Shirley's career was mostly a homemaker and Mom and she excelled, we will all miss her cooking us a meal or eating her cookies and pies. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and in partnership with friends had a gift basket delivery company and then owned a small cafeteria. Shirley's energy and verve was admired and will be missed by her family and all that knew her. Special thanks to the quick response of the RCMP and for the wonderful care and compassion of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital ICU staff and doctors. A celebration of life will follow in the spring in Vernon and then interment will follow in the future in the Ninette Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local animal shelter, Canadian Diabetes Association or Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online obituary @ www.myalternatives.ca
Arrangements entrusted to
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services ®
Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-723
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services