Shirley McDonald

Born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan to Gerald and Rosie Wilson, Shirley was the only girl in the family of four children and adored her brothers. Shirley was blessed with the “Wilson Cackle” and will always be remembered for her laughter and joy.

Shirley left school early, took a hairdressing course and went to work to help the family.  Some years later, she was proud to pass her GED exam.

Shirley married Duff McDonald and they raised their daughters, Wanda and Terry, in Indian Head.

Playing baseball was a passion in her younger years and later she was very immersed in local hockey, especially the Indian Head Chiefs Ladies’ Auxiliary. Countless hours of good times were had with the Indian Head Chiefs and Indian Head Marauders. Shirley never complained about the hours spent watching Terry play hockey, no matter how painful to watch!

Hockey in the winter and golf, golf and more golf in the Summer! Great times were had during summers spent at Katepwa Beach.

Shirley spent many years working for her brother, Doug Wilson, at the Indian Head News and later at the Indian Head-Wolseley News. She loved the connections made with all the young people who were hired to fold the weekly newspaper!

The friendships Shirley made in Indian Head were so important to her and many continued years after she left Indian Head. Facebook helped her reconnect with many friends.

After Shirley and Duff parted ways, Shirley moved to Regina and found her soul mate in Frank Kleso. They travelled a bit and lived life to the fullest while making time for both families. “Mom Shirley” dearly loved Frank’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley spent a lot of time with Wanda, Andy and her grandkids. Eli and Erin thought their Grandma was the coolest Grandma ever!

Shirley babysat Eli and Erin for awhile and the kids loved that. Everything was better with Grandma around! Dirty clothes were dropped on the floor one day and magically appeared back in the drawer neatly folded and oftentimes ironed! Food was also a whole lot better! They may have been a little (a lot) spoiled. Shirley was also a great believer in clean, ironed sheets…especially if someone was sick…or stayed overnight!

Birthdays were always celebrated at Grandma and Frank’s house. Ribs, mashed potatoes and elaborate cakes designed by Shirley and Frank (always chocolate).

After Shirley retired, she painted houses with Wanda and Eli and the three of them had a ton of fun! Grandma could always take a joke and Eli could always make her laugh.

Shirley and Frank retired to Parksville ten years ago where they quickly made friends in their community. The Friday “Knitting” club, exercise classes and ladies’ lunches kept her smiling.

Shirley and Frank could be seen walking all over Parksville, but especially on the waterfront.

Terry and Sean enjoyed learning to play Canasta with Shirley and Frank. Lots of laughter and, of course, good food!!

Thankfully Shirley turned 80 before COVID hit. As Shirley and Frank were turning 80 just a few months apart, we held a joint surprise birthday party for them. Our blended family and friends gathered to celebrate the occasion. Shirley was thrilled to have her nearest and dearest friends, Don and Cathy Hindle, attend the event.

We are forever grateful to Frank, who lovingly cared for Mom when she could no longer care for herself. She may not always have known what was going on in the later months, but she knew that she was loved and was still joyful.

Shirley was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of others before her own and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Rosie Wilson; her brother, Larry Wilson; her brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Helen Wilson; nephews Trent and Perry Wilson and brother Doug Wilson.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 30-plus years, Frank Kleso; daughters Wanda (Keith Desjarlais) McDonald and Terry (Sean Nyhan) McDonald; Grandson Eli (Kelsey Dootoff) Schmidt, Grand-daughter Erin (Dave) Baillie and their children Owen and Ruby; many nieces and nephews on both McDonald and Wilson sides;  step-Family: Sandy (Marv) Hennig and their children and grandchildren; Lynn (Les) Isinger and their children and grandchildren; Cheryl (Dean) Kereliuk and their children and grandchildren Dwayne (Rene) Kress and their children Oliva and Payton; Deanna Kress; Mike Kleso; and many good friends.

There will be a celebration of life in Parksville BC in late Spring or early Summer, 2023.

Mom, you will be in our hearts forever and we will never forget you. Rest in peace.