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SHIRLEY ANNE LOFTSON
Shirley passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 6, at 2:05 a.m. in Vancouver, BC.
Survived by her son Marce Loftson, her devoted caregiver in her final years, her daughter Mindy Macdonald (Angus), and her sister Hazel Zahradnik (Jerry). Also survived by her granddaughters, Jennifer Lee (James), Amanda Lee (Tyson), and Chelsea Lee (David), her grandson Colby Last, and her great-granddaughters, Ella Herrmann, Avery Pencer, and Greta Martin, and her nephew Zach Zahradnik (Jenn).
Mom was a devoted wife to her husband, Stefan Gudmundur Loftson, whom she cared for unfailingly during his long illness. In earlier years, Mom and Dad enjoyed going dancing at the Legion regularly and going to garage sales on Saturday mornings in Winnipeg. She was a talented seamstress; the Christening Dress she made from her sister Hazel's confirmation dress was worn by all four of her children for their Christenings, and by all three granddaughters as well. It's a family heirloom!
Mom taught school (usually Gr. 1) at Lord Selkirk Elementary for many years, where she taught many children to read in spite of themselves and made many lifelong friends on staff. She also taught her own children the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and to always do their best. She was known for her sarcasm and wit and her willingness to go the extra mile for those she cared about.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Carl and Elsie Pokrant. She was tragically predeceased by her son, Carl, for whom she uprooted her life in Winnipeg, to be with him in Vancouver during his illness. Two years later, she lost Dad as well. Mom was also tragically predeceased by her daughter, Kim Last (Dee Dee) (Don) and her grandsons, Brandon and Jaret Last.
There will be a Celebration of Shirley's life in Winnipeg on Wednesday, August 14 at 2:30 p.m. at the home of her daughter Mindy.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2024
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I first met Shirley when she came to teach at Lord Selkirk many years ago. She was like an older sister who I could always count on for a solution to my problem. Our group The Golden Gals shared many fun times over the years. Lunches, conferences, visits & Teulon G. G. pool times. When we were all retired 4 of us made a trip to Vancouver to spend a few days with Shirley. Wonderful memories & love from The Golden Girls - Posted by: Eileen Zinkowski (Coworker and friend) on: Jul 14, 2024
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Shirley and Mindy were such a devoted, hardworking couple who, as strong people and parents, raised strong amazing children who in turn raised amazing grandchildren. Shirley always had her straight forward philosophy about teaching many of the “disadvantaged” children she did. I remember her sharing how she challenged a student struggling with math who said he didn’t need to learn it. Shirley shared that she reminded him if he didn’t want to be cheated by others who would take advantage of him if he didn’t learn the particular skills. Real life thinking for the student and an example of Shirley’s skills handling students. Shirley had such a “sarcastic” down to earth humour also and I so wish I could remember examples of her funny observations that she often made, similar to how our aunties and her mom would make- which many of us nieces and nephews quote today and so miss hearing. My sympathy to all Shirley’s family Valery - Posted by: Valery Czarnecki (Cousin) on: Jul 14, 2024