Obituary of Shirley Isabella Iverson

May 6, 1931 – R. M. of Glenwood, Manitoba

December 13, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Shirley Iverson passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the age of 93. During her lifetime, she became a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. These titles along with her family were the absolute pride of her well-travelled and well-lived life.

Shirley Isabella Holms was born on May 6, 1931, in the Souris district of Manitoba. She always spoke of her parents well. They exemplified affection and kind words, which Shirley grew from and acquired herself. Their values became hers, which she carried and demonstrated throughout her whole life.

Shirley earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Home Economics in 1952 after four years of study at the University of Manitoba. Among the courses she completed were Experimental Food Study, Bacteriology, and Modern Handicrafts. Shirley proudly maintained her connection with the UofM Alumni, attended reunions, and always made time for the deeply treasured friendships she gained from that time.

In her employment after university, Shirley briefly zigzagged between Manitoba and Alberta. She moved three times before establishing her family life and the ideal of domesticity.

Shirley zigged from Winnipeg in 1952 to Alberta for work, and notably, this is where she first met her future husband. She worked as a district home economist for the Alberta Department of Agriculture in Wainwright, AB, creating and supporting adult and 4H programs.

Shirley then zagged, returning to Manitoba in 1954 for a lofty promotion to serve as the Home Service Director with Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg. Shirley promoted electricity use by providing education and demonstrations. Soon, she was appointed the Promotion Officer in the publications branch of the Manitoba Department of Agriculture. Shirley spoke with confidence and authority on radio and television; she modelled for advertising materials and demonstrated products at events as a promotional character named Elizabeth.

Shirley's zigzagging ended for a time after she returned to Wainwright, where she married her winsome and responsible husband, Byron, on April 21, 1962. For the next twenty years, Shirley kept an excellent home while raising their young family. During that time, she engaged with the Wainwright community by volunteering, using the valuable skills she acquired through her education and work experience. Shirley was a proud Kinette of the Kinsman Club, working to serve the community's greatest needs by promoting service, fellowship, family values, and national pride. She demonstrated this always and led by example.

For twenty-five years, from 1962 to 1987, Shirley served as an executive member of the Hospital Auxiliary, Girl Guides and Brownies, Boy Scouts and Cubs, and the Figure Skating Club in Wainwright. For a time, Shirley was also a board member for the Alberta Project Downtown Enhancement of Wainwright, assisting with the Overture Concert Series and Encore Entertainment Series. Shirley volunteered for the Arts and Crafts Centre for eleven years and with the Wainwright Museum and Historical Society for twenty-three years, from 1963 to 1986. With her usual effervescent joy and playful personality, Shirley founded the Wainwright Theatre ’75, serving as president, producer, set and costume designer, and public relations coordinator. Lastly, Shirley contributed as a researcher, writer, and editor for the Wainwright General Hospital History Book.

While raising her family, Shirley's home economic skills often landed her the position of official judge at many provincial fairs and competitions. She would also bake for community gatherings and enjoyed sewing costumes for functions, events and celebrations. Shirley's love of learning and genuine curiosity enticed her to build on her education. She upgraded her skills with the Alberta Career Development Centre, and in 1994, Shirley graduated from the Okanogan College in Kelowna, BC, with a certification in Tourism Development. Shirley became the Membership Services host for Tourism Shuswap in Sicamous, BC, where she and Byron had moved upon retirement.

Shirley travelled, experiencing Europe, Panama, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Morocco, and Norway, and understandably, Shirley preened over having kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland. As a family, Shirley and Byron travelled throughout North America and beyond, and before Byron passed from Cancer in 1993, they settled in Sicamous. For a time on her own, Shirley zigzagged again, travelling from the Shuswap to Mesa, AZ, as a "snowbird" and occasionally to Shenandoah, IA, before choosing to live near family in Calgary, AB. Throughout Shirley's lifetime, she was constant and clear that, for her, "Family is everything.”

Later in life, Shirley cherished her special friendship with Keith McCall. With him, Shirley shared an understanding, having witnessed the same world events and moments of invention. In 2020, Keith predeceased Shirley and is survived by his children and grandchildren, each of whom Shirley always expressed deep gratitude and affection.

Shirley maintained her keen interest in bringing people together, usually family, but never to any exclusion. Invitations always included the Hilland and Johnson families; she felt privileged to consider them family. She often expressed appreciation for being included and cared for by so many wonderful people.

Of course, Shirley took care of herself. She was always well dressed in a coordinated outfit, appropriate and meaningful jewellery, lipstick and hair styled, a smile, and a kind, knowing, (sometimes mischievous) twinkle in her blue eyes. She always carried a song in her heart, often hummed aloud for all to hear. She loved singing Christmas carols, Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve, Sunshine on My Shoulders, Sweet Caroline, or any sing-song-sing-along as part of a choir. Shirley could recite the alphabet backwards. She exuded creativity, as displayed in her paintings and pottery. She beautified everything in her own special way.

Shirley will be missed, specifically by her four children, Derek (Bonnie), David (Leesa), Diane, and Dean (Sarah); her grandchildren, Mackenzie (Armita), Matthew, Grayson, Aiden, William, Kendall, and Evan; her siblings, Beverly and Den (Marie); as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Byron, her parents, Myrtle and William; her brother-in-law Brian, and her special friend, Keith.

A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Many thanks to the staff at the Cambridge Manor (Brenda Strafford Foundation) who cared for Shirley over the past couple of years, helping to ensure her final days were as peaceful and as comfortable as possible. Their compassion was deeply appreciated.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brenda Strafford Foundation, 4628 Montgomery Blvd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0L1, Telephone: (403) 444-7222, https://thebsf.ca/get-involved/donate.html, or a different charity of choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Shirley’s family here.

In living memory of Shirley Iverson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.