Shirley Edith Harding

Shirley Edith Harding, longtime resident of Melaval, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully at Parkridge Centre, Saskatoon, on December 30, 2014 at the age of 88. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 5, 2015, at 2:00 pm at the Lafleche United Church with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiating. A heartfelt Eulogy was given by Shirley’s daughter Penny Fentiman. As a very special tribute, a tape from the late 1960’s was played of Shirley singing “Down From His Glory”, accompanied by organist Kay Mitchell. A special reading was given by Lee Harding. Pallbearers consisted of Shirley’s grandsons: Shane Harding, James Lamontagne, Christopher Lamontagne, Devin DeCap, Kurtis Fuhr, and Terrell Fentiman. Honourary Pallbearers were Mickey Sylvestre, Jason Harding, Aaron Sylvestre, Michael Harding, Dane DeCap, Cale Fentiman, and Zane Fentiman. Music Ministry was offered by the Lafleche United Church Choir accompanied by organist Kay Mitchell. A private family interment followed at the Melaval Cemetery. All were invited to the Wood River Memorial Hall for lunch and fellowship. Shirley was born July 16, 1926 at Broadview, Saskatchewan, the second oldest daughter to Hazel and Fred Cook. Her love of music and singing was apparent at an early age. She often performed with her sister Mildred and her parents, putting on Vaudeville skits. Actively involved with the Melaval Church Choir for many years, Shirley’s singing would grace many a community event, even at times accompanied by her daughters. At the age of 15, Shirley left school and entered the work force. Her first job at a Broadview lunch counter consisted of making over 50 pies and 300 doughnuts for the many passengers and soldiers passing through on the C.P.R. trains. She did this for six months before moving to Regina where she took a course in lathe work, and then moved to Toronto with her sister to work in a small arms factory during World War II. While there, she was approached to do modeling. Her beauty was breathtaking. Unfortunately, being homesick for her family she moved back home. Shortly after her return she was introduced to John (Dad) by a mutual friend, and after a short courtship, John proposed on a ferris wheel at the Regina Exhibition. John and Shirley were married in Plentywood, Montana on November 5, 1944 and remained together for 56 years until John’s passing in 2001. John and Shirley lived briefly on the family farm, until the birth of their first child, Paul, before moving to Moose Jaw in 1945. Due to lack of work, they moved back to the Harding farm, where John helped his father farm. Within a year and after the arrival of their second child, Gloria, they bought a house (“Chicken Coop”) in Melaval. Shirley’s great love for babies soon became apparent and with each child a new addition to the house was built by John. Shirley’s house was the centre of many activities for family, neighbours and community. It was evident by the great aroma of baked bread, buns and desserts that she was indeed a great cook. Sunday meals were rarely spent without large gatherings enjoyed by all. Shirley remained in her home until the fall of 2011. She lived briefly with her daughter Penny before residing at Parkridge Centre in Saskatoon. Her love for her family was parallel to her beautiful flower gardens that she nurtured each year, tending to their needs and watching them blossom to their fullest potential. Her endless devotion, sacrifices, and unselfish commitment to her family and friends will forever remain in our hearts. Sing on Mom! Shirley was predeceased by her husband John, grandson Todd Sylvestre and sons-in-law Fred Fentiman and Terry Creed. Shirley is survived by her eight children: Paul (Deanna), Shane, Angie, Liam, Emma and Jason Harding; Gloria (Emile), James, Esther, Brittney, Jordan, Raya Lamontagne, Kimberly, Logan, Brandon, Bruce Burrington, Christopher Lamontage; Lora Sylvestre, Mickey and Aaron; Debbie Harding (Smith); Penny, Terrell, Lena, Atticus, Charlotte, Cale, Maddie, Boden and Zane Fentiman; Nancy (Larry) Fuhr, Michael, Jacob, Rose, Kristy, Kaylee, Thaydeus Harding, Kurtis and Keagan; Christina (Leon) Devin and Dane DeCap; Lee, Aliyah and Ashlyn Harding. Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.

Harding and their families.