SHIRLEY CROSBY

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SHIRLEY CROSBY

With profound sadness, we announce the death of our beloved Mom, Shirley Crosby on August 25, 2024.

Mom leaves to mourn her children, Jason (Kim) and Tanis (Kelly); and her grandchildren, Grayson and Chloe. She also leaves to mourn her sisters, Marlene (Chuck) and Judy (Roy); her brother-in-law Brian (Liz); her nieces and nephews; as well as innumerable friends.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Ray; brother Doug; and parents, Terry and Jack Bonner.

Shirley was born May 6, 1939, to Terry and Jack Bonner in Kimberley, British Columbia. She completed her formal education and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Education Degree.

In 1962 Shirley married Raymond Crosby and settled in Winnipeg where she worked as a math and physical education teacher at Gordon Bell High School. She left her position before Jason was born but continued to work with children at the local elementary school in a volunteer capacity and was always engaged in volunteer parent roles throughout Jason and Tanis’ grade school years. Mom was always first to step forward to help where necessary and was always involved with her children’s various sports teams and activities. She could often be found behind a steering wheel chauffeuring countless kids to their activities near and far.

In the 1970s and 1980s, as a member of the Junior League of Winnipeg, Shirley helped to promote volunteerism, child advocacy, and supported arts and education within the community.

Shirley reentered the workforce as her children became more independent, and she worked many years at Scoop and Weigh on Grant Avenue. She worked for, and with many friends over the years and truly enjoyed her work environment. Mom loved the social atmosphere, and the relationships built and strengthened.

Some of Shirley’s favourite times were spent with family and friends at her island cottage on Lake of the Woods. Shirley and Ray bought their island in the late 1960s and built their modest cottage as a getaway to enjoy more time with family and friends. Over the years, this had become a special place to gather and create everlasting memories and so many laughs.

In 2007, Shirley faced heartbreak with the sudden and unexpected death of her husband Ray. This challenge was faced with strength, courage and resilience.

In 2017 Shirley moved out of her house in River Heights into her apartment at The Enclave. She was proud of the new warm and welcoming space she’d made for herself. She joined the newly created Social Committee and enjoyed helping to organize, decorate for and participate in events in her building.

Over the past eight years, Mom faced numerous health challenges, but she faced them head on and came through healthy on the other side. This could not have been possible without help from numerous supportive friends, and the aide of her sisters, each of whom dropped everything, and came to Winnipeg from BC, to stay with Mom and help her with her recoveries.

As friends and family have been reaching out lately, Mom has been described as selfless, loving, courageous, modest, loyal, devoted, classy, admired, vibrant. As a mom, there simply could be no better.

The family would like to pay particular thanks to Anette and Ted Brown and Tania Hellam for their unwavering support to Shirley and family. Much gratitude to the staff at Victoria General Hospital Urgent Care and the staff of 5 South, Drs. K. Cavers, B. Arenson, nurses, Monika, Gliza, Robert and Yu, as well as numerous allied health and support staff. The care and respect shown to our mom and the family and friends who surrounded her in her final days could not have been better.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements and further details regarding a Celebration of Life will likely be held in early October.

Tributes: www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2024, Sep 07, 2024