She was predeceased by her husband, Grenville (1994) of 47 years; parents Alfred and Inger Manness; sisters Doris, Adele and Florence; brother Don; and granddaughter Tanya.
Cherished, loving memories will be kept by her children Marianne (Denis), Vernon (Lorilee), and Arlene (James); grandchildren Ryan (Cristina), Aidan, and Taylor (A.J.); and great grandchildren Audrey and Olivia. Also mourning her loss are her brother Sidney (Helen) and many nieces and nephews. Shirley especially valued her longtime friendship with Carolyn and Bill Bumstead.
Shirley married Thomas Grenville Cole on November 26, 1947 and took up residence on the family farm near Domain. Along with farm and family work, Shirley continued the legacy of her father with a lifelong dedication to the Domain community and Avonlea United Church. Joining the church choir at age 13, she went on to become the choir director for 25 years.
Shirley loved participating in community dramas and musicals, eventually becoming the assistant director of the Domain Community Theatre. She became known far and wide in her role promoting community events and selling tickets.
Connecting with the earth through gardening and yard work gave Shirley much joy and fulfillment. We will always remember her love of fashion and how every outfit she wore was accompanied by just the right pieces of jewelry.
Shirley loved holiday family gatherings and dinners out to celebrate special occasions. She was always gracious, caring and welcoming at family events. She took time to ask about everyone’s life and wellbeing and was always proud of her family’s endeavours and accomplishments, big and small.
In 2013, Shirley moved into a suite at the Waverly in Winnipeg and enthusiastically embraced new routines and activities. Her joie de vivre resulted in her becoming an Ambassador, welcoming newcomers. She greatly valued the friendship of Coralie Standing and the relationships she had with the staff at the Waverly.
Her strong faith and sense of humour sustained her through life’s challenges and during her recent months of illness.
Well done, good and faithful servant. (Matthew 25:21)
A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will take place on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 1:00pm at Thomson in the Park, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Avonlea Memorial Fund, Avonlea United Church, Domain, MB.
THOMSON “IN THE PARK”
204-925-1120
Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
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