Peacefully, with her son at her bedside, Shirley left us to join her parents, Jonas and Marion Johannesson and daughter, Lisa Anne Cooper (née Wright), in eternal rest.

 

Shirley was born on April 30, 1931, to Jonas and Marion Johannesson (and big sister Barbara), in Winnipeg, where she resided for most of her life.   She attended Greenway School in the West End and graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate.  Afterward, she followed in her father's footsteps and worked for the Canadian National Railway in their offices on Main Street, where she remained until she married John Wright in August 1955.  The couple promptly packed their bags and loaded up her prized Buick convertible in search of warmer weather in the southern U.S.  While in Minneapolis, Randy was born on June 11, 1956.  They returned home shortly after and welcomed Lisa to their family in May 1958.   Once the children were of age she rejoined the workforce full-time and secured employment with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (now Viterra) where she worked until her retirement in July 1994.

 

A devoted mother and caregiver, she raised her family firstly in the North End and then East Kildonan.   Her love of animals meant that there was always a cat or dog underfoot.    A great joy in her life, grandson Jeffrey came along in July 1983, and ten years later granddaughter Kaitlyn in December 1993. She was so very proud of them both.

 

Shirley later opened her home to her elderly father and young grandson in their time of need. She remained in her home until March 2015, when she moved on to more carefree living in The Landing at Riverwood Square, and only recently relocated to Vista Park Lodge this past May 2017.  Some of her happiest times were spent at Riverwood and Vista Park Lodge where she made new friends among the residents, staff and caregivers, and enjoyed the recreational activities that were offered.  For this, her family is truly grateful.

 

Shirley will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her son Randy, his wife Monique, their daughter Kaitlyn, and her grandson Jeff Cooper.   She will also be fondly remembered by her sister Barbara Hoffmann, her sons and their families.

 

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and she will rest alongside her family members in Chapel Lawn Cemetery.

 

To those who provided even the smallest kindness, care and consideration to Shirley, especially in her later years, a heartfelt thank you.

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Kind, caring and generous to the end,

If there are any heavens,

my mother will surely have one.