Shirley Irene Mae Bruyere

Shirley was born on March 12, 1932 in Winnipeg, MB to the late George and Nellie Miner (Watmore). She fondly recalled all the good times she had with her parents and brothers and sisters, Stan, Phylis, Marg, and Clarence. In later years Shirley and her family moved to Fort Frances, Ontario where she met and later married, Wallace ‘Swede’ Bruyere. They built their family home together on Couchiching First Nation. Shirley was an active member of the first nation, working for the band for numerous years, as well as serving on council, and various boards throughout the district. She was also an active member of St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances, serving as president of both the guild and auxiliary. Many people will remember all the meals that Shirley cooked and served. She loved getting people together to visit and eat. Her happiest times were with her family gathered around the table laughing and talking.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Wallace (Agnes), Wesley, Keith (Carol), Chris, and her daughters Colleen (Ted) Beck and Patricia (Doug) Lee, also her son in law, Pat Roach and daughter in law, Laurie Bruyere. Shirley will be lovingly remembered by all 47 of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she always said there were too many to differentiate. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews on both the Bruyere and Miner side.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, George & Nellie, her husband Wallace ‘Swede’ Bruyere, son, Sanford Bruyere, daughters, Kim Roach and Valerie Lizotte, grandsons, Patrick Roach Jr., Dave Mainville, and Mike Roach. Shirley was also predeceased by her brothers Stan (Pat) & Clarence Miner, and sisters, Phylis (Peter) Bedard, and Margaret (William) Edenburn, and nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, but always remembered.

Honorary Pallbearers will be all 59 of Shirley’s grandchildren , great grandchildren and their spouses.

A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances, ON, on Friday October 23, 2015 at 2 pm, with the Reverend MJ D. Leewis-Kirk AOJN officiating.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Riverside Foundation for Health Care for the Palliative Care Unit in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com

When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.

Its part of the Master’s Plan, a step on the road to home.

So when you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go.