Weeks after her 83rd birthday, Shirley passed away with family at her side after a short battle with cancer.

 

She will be lovingly remembered by son in law Ken Swan; daughters Laurie McLean (Barry), Joan Racano (Mark); son Duane Huntly (Sue); grandchildren: Alexandra Swan, Ian Swan, Jennifer Kaderle (Keith), Stephen (Susana) Shaver, Michael Shaver (Robyn), Luciano Racano (Ashton), Adrianna Racano, Damiano Racano, Dylan Huntly (Claire), Kaitlyn Garvie, Connor Huntly, Tyler Garvie; great-grandchildren: Bennett, Jayda, and  Rowynn Kaderle, Winston, Grayson, and Emmett Shaver; siblings sister-in-law Vi Knight, Glenn Knight (Leanore), Ken Knight, Donna Reynolds, Gerald ‘Bing’ Knight (Newell), Helen Caruth (Daniel), Murray Knight (Gwen), Sam (Marilyn); nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

 

Shirley was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Swan; brother Cecil Knight; and parents Edith and Lloyd Knight.

 

As the oldest of 9 children, Shirley was like a mom to many of her younger siblings. The family moved from Crystal City, MB to Holmfield, MB in 1950. She loved the family farm and was especially fond of the horses.

 

Shirley became a teacher after graduating from Manitoba’s Teacher’s College.This career took her on many adventures across Manitoba and even to BC. Throughout Mom’s life, many of the connections she made ended up being lifelong friendships.

 

In 1959, Shirley met Bill Huntly in Graysville, MB where she was teaching school. They married and moved to their first home in Winnipeg. Their first two children, Barb and Laurie were born in Winnipeg. Soon after the family relocated to Killarney where Joan and Duane were born.

 

The family returned to Winnipeg in 1969 for employment opportunities. Shirley taught at Mountbatten School in St. Vital for the next several years. When full-time teaching became too much, she moved to substituting and tried her hand at other jobs as well as adult education in the evenings. Eventually, she taught at various northern locations and got to know many friends during her stints in remote communities. She always demanded the best from her family and her students, striving for perfection no matter the task at hand.

 

Shirley attended Herzing College later in life to obtain a Business Diploma.

 

Shirley was a talented piano player. She possessed a collection of instruments including guitars, a fiddle, and even an accordian. She loved listening to music, singing, and attending fiddling contests. She enjoyed community dances, reading, word puzzles, cake decorating, and entertaining.

 

Another of her passions was her love of travel especially driving her own car to various places. There were numerous road trip adventures with grandchildren to various locations across Manitoba. Like a boy scout, she was always prepared for anything. Supplies in her car included food, water, her motorcycle helmet, guitar, running shoes, travel mug, and a sleeping bag.

 

Mom was a talented seamstress and prolific knitter. She loved sewing “leisure suits” for Duane to wear for his early school pictures and matching Christmas dresses for all 3 girls. There wasn’t a grandchild or great-grandchild who didn’t have handmade pj bottoms, bed linen, mittens, or toques.

 

Shirley cherished family time, especially her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who fondly referred to her as ‘Grandma Shirlo’. Lying on the floor playing with each grandchild, getting to know them as unique individuals was a favorite past time. In the last year, while in hospital, a visit from a grandchild or great-grandchild would be especially uplifting.

 

She enjoyed time spent back home on the farm near Killarney with family in her later years.

 

The past year was difficult on Shirley but she kept a positive and hopeful attitude right to the end.

 

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Shirley’s name can be made to CancerCare Manitoba foundation or a charity of your choice.

 

The family would like to thank Dr. S Rathod, the radiation treatment staff at CancerCare Manitoba, and the staff on RR6 at HSC.

 

In addition, our thanks to Dr. K. Moran de Muller and the wonderful staff on unit 3 at Tuxedo Villa for your kindness and care of Mom during her short stay as well as the care and compassion you offered her family during those final days; it was truly heartwarming.

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A funeral service will be held at 2;00 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2019 at the Buntain Chapel in the Calvary Temple, located at 400 Hargrave Street.

 

You fought a good fight Mom! We love you.