Shirley Halbesma

Shirley leaves to mourn her daughters Doreen (Jan), Pat (Allan, predeceased), Cathy, her sons Stan (Deb), Len (Jan) and Don (Monica), along with her 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Margaret (Peter) and her brother John (Rita). Shirley was predeceased by her husband Harry in December 2023.

Shirley was born in Groningen, the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada after WWII as a young woman in 1951. Shortly after arriving in Canada she obtained a job at the Carman Hospital as a health care aide. After settling in Winnipeg she continued to work in that field in the years that followed while raising her six children.

A new and exciting chapter in all our lives came about when Harry and Shirley took the opportunity to purchase an old Safeway store in the summer of 1985 and opened Harry’s Foods in October of that same year.

Shirley was very passionate about the wellbeing of children prompting her and dad to foster children for many years.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren unconditionally.

Shirley was a loving and compassionate woman with a strong Christian faith. This unwavering faith gave her the courage to face some very difficult times in her life. Devotion to God and her family was a true testament of her character.

“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen…Nobody knows but Jesus”

She loved to travel and visited numerous places around the world. Many wonderful memories were made as a family and continued with her and dad in their retirement years.

Shirley was an avid reader with many interests. She particularly loved to read Dutch books as well as books and stories depicting people’s real-life experiences. She had a never ending thirst for knowledge. Her wonderful sense of humour, sharp wit and exceptional storytelling abilities will be greatly missed.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aunt Linda for your continued friendship to Mom over the years, especially in these last months. Mom appreciated your visits with their open and honest conversations very much.

“Let Go Let God”

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Klassen Funeral Home 1897 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg. For anyone wishing to join virtually, please access the Livestream link in the 'Services' tab below.

Reception to be held after the service followed by private family interment at Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery at 4477 Main St. West St. Paul, MB.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”

In lieu of flowers the family would ask that you make a donation to your favourite charity benefitting children or animals.