SHIRLEY STORRY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SHIRLEY STORRY On Saturday, March 10, 2007, at the Sharon Home of Winnipeg, after a brief illness, Shirley Irene Storry (Lumsden) nee Hammond has finally found peace. Shirley is survived by her children, Michael (Gayle) and Marnie; her grandchildren, Matthew, Patrick (Joyce) and Michael (Kelly); five great-grandchildren, Bruce, Simon and Gavin Lumsden and Jack and Hagan Quigley; her sisters, Mary and Dorothy and her brothers, Robert (Elinor) and Larry (Betty); brother-in-law, Chuck (Berna); second husband, Jim; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Tom, her parents, Grant and Esther and her brother Charlie; sister-in-law Gerrie, brother-in-law John and sister-in-law Corinne. Shirley's philosophy that things are to use, people are to love was evident in her love of family and friends, and her willingness to put them first. She was the kind of person others were drawn to because of her genuine nature and acceptance of all individuals. Shirley faced life's challenges with dignity and grace. From living in a converted caboose with Tom in Savant Lake to raising two children as a single parent after losing the love of her life, going back to school mid-career, facing several life threatening diseases and the final challenge of Alzheimers. She has always been an inspiration. Shirley was truly a life long learner. The quest for knowledge and experience, through reading and travel, gave her great joy throughout her life. Shirley enjoyed the challenge of returning to school midway through her career. After a fulfilling and interesting job as head secretary for Child Guidance Clinic, she took a year's leave to study to become a Medical Record Librarian. She worked at several hospitals in Winnipeg and ended her career working at Selkirk Mental Health Centre. After she retired, she immersed herself in volunteerism through her association with the Women's Institute (WI) in Gimli and as a tutor in an adult literacy program. She was able to realize a life long dream of writing when she penned a play about the early years of the WI as well as several magazine articles. Shirley enjoyed many summers at the family cottage in Whytewold and left this as a wonderful legacy for her children and grandchildren. We will be ever grateful to Shirley, Vina and Dorothy for their enthusiastic efforts to save our sports field! Special thanks to Shirley's sister, Dorothy for going above and beyond during a very difficult time in Mom's life. Thank you Kathleen, for being a true and loving friend. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Sharon Home for their care during Shirley's last years. There will be a celebration of Shirley's life on Friday, March 16, 2007, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 1445 Portage Avenue. A private interment will take place at another time. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Special Olympics Manitoba or a charity of choice. And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free. Mom, we love you and will hold you in our hearts always.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2007