Shirley Ann Jamieson, born May 18, 1956 in The Pas, Manitoba, passed away on December 31, 2020 at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 64. Shirley had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia several years ago and died from complications of the illness and its treatment.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Barry Jamieson, of 44 years, her daughter, son-in-law and grandsons, Jennifer, Scott, Nolan and Kieran Hunter, and her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Jamieson and Brent Ballantyne. She is also survived by her elder siblings, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Cecile Chiddenton and sister and brother-in-law Joan and Lou Stilling. Shirley’s death was preceded by that of her parents, Ester and Eric Chiddenton and her elder brother Donald Chiddenton. Shirley’s kindness and warm hugs will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.
Shirley primarily grew up in Transcona, Winnipeg where she attended Transcona Collegiate Institute. She met her husband while still in school and they married shortly after they had both graduated. Their relationship was fated. Before they even met, Shirley’s home was located across the back lane from TCI and Barry used to cut through the yard on his way to get to school on time. Throughout their early marriage and life with young children, they lived in Winnipeg, Calgary and Toronto, eventually returning to Winnipeg and settling in South St. Vital until both daughters had grown. Most recently, Shirley and Barry made a home in Transcona again. Although they married young and experienced challenges of all sorts through the decades, Shirley and Barry were a strong union that overcame adversity together and shared a common perspective of focusing on the brighter moments and building a safe and happy home for their girls. In particular, they made many happy memories with their daughters and Shirley’s dad at Tall Timber Lodge, where they spent many summers with their friends Karen and Ed Boucher and their family.
Throughout her life, Shirley was happiest when caring for children, whether her own or others. She worked in various occupations, including receptionist, retail and as support staff in schools, but she was most content when working as a nanny. She will be especially missed by Kaeden Barta, with whom she shared a special bond, even years after she was no longer caring for him.
Shirley was a devoted mother and a constant source of support and encouragement for her daughters. She loved Jennifer and Stephanie with her whole heart and always wanted them to be strong, intelligent and independent women. Although she pushed them to do and be their best, happiness for her girls, in whatever form it might take, was always a priority. Regarding love, Shirley taught her daughters to find true partners, who loved and respected them. She recognized that Scott and Brent were these partners and welcomed them both into her family with the same love she gave her children. Barry, Jennifer, Stephanie, Scott and Brent will share many happy memories of the time they have all spent together, especially playing games and laughing.
The greatest loves of Shirley’s life were her grandchildren, Nolan (4) and Kieran (2). Becoming a Grammy was the fulfilment of her greatest wish and she loved nothing more than spending time with the boys, whether visiting them in Toronto for weeks at a time or talking, playing games or singing together on FaceTime. Both Nolan and Kieran knew they could call Grammy anytime, and they did. She always answered, happy to talk to them about anything at all. As they grow, the boys will be reminded of the love their Grammy had for them. Her values of finding strength and focusing on happiness will be passed on to them.
A funeral or memorial service will be held later in the year, once pandemic restrictions have been lifted or a service can be held outside. Shirley was particularly fond of tulips so her family hopes to hold a service in the spring when she can be surrounded by her favourite flower. In the interim, Shirley will be cremated at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home. Please contact the home if you would like to be informed of the date and time of the memorial service.
At this time, the family requests that donations be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or Manitoba Humane Society in lieu of sending flowers.
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