SHIRLEY ELIZABETH WHEELER (MORTIMORE)

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SHIRLEY ELIZABETH WHEELER (nee MORTIMORE) August 26, 1927 February 19, 2008 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mom, grandma, GG, cousin and dear friend. Pre-deceased by her parents Bill and Lou Mortimore and her husband Ed Wheeler, Shirley leaves to cherish her memory daughter Mary Lou McGurran, grandson Jay McGurran (Shamara), great-grandson Cavanagh, cousins Millie Miller and Marlene Wright, in-laws Ray Wheeler and Edith Presunka and their families, special life-long friends Audrey and Bob McKillican (Regina) and their family, and her many, many friends and dear sorority sisters. Born in Winnipeg, Shirley was a graduate of Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate, and lived the majority of her life in Winnipeg. Her career life was defined by her many years of service at Air Canada in the Richardson Building, then the new Air Canada offices on Portage Avenue. Shirley retired from Air Canada in 1991 and dedicated much of her time to support numerous charitable causes, perhaps most notably the Manitoba Cancer Society and Manitoba Special Olympics. The month of March was dedicated to coordinating, organizing and selling Daffodils on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society. And, on many occasions during any given month, she could be found roaming the bingo floor at the casinos selling break-opens for Special Olympics. If there were another 24 hours in day, Shirley would have volunteered for a whole lot more. When not giving her time for various causes around the city, Shirley relished the opportunity to mingle and surround herself with as many people as possible. Whether a dinner with her sorority sisters from Beta Sigma Phi or a lunch with the Purple Pacesetters chapter of the Red Hats; a bit of exercise at Fat Flab , or bowling with the Air Canada Retirees' Association; taking parts as a movie extra, or donning her clown costume to entertain children in hospital, Shirley enjoyed being with people. And people enjoyed being with her. She once said that she would be happy just sitting in the mall watching all the people go by and wondering what their stories were. This fascination with people contributed to her love of travel. Pick almost any corner in the world, and Shirley has been there. From Israel to Singapore; Alaska to Rome, Shirley loved to pack her bags and embark on the trips of a lifetime. On occasion she would head to the airport and wait for hours (sometimes days!) to get a cheap trip to London. Always willing to try new food and participate in new cultures, Shirley lived her life with love, laughter and an adventurous spirit. Above anything, Shirley loved to spend time with her family. Shopping with her daughter Mary Lou, playing cribbage with her grandson Jay, coffee with her granddaughter Shamara, or reading her great-grandson Cavanagh a story, Shirley found great joy in spending time with her family. When the cousins went out for lunch, the waiter either thought they were nuts or a travelling comedy troupe. Sunday dinner will always have a place for Grams. Thank you to all the sisters and friends who helped Shirley during this past month. Your love and support cannot be measured and will always be appreciated. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008, 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7 or Special Olympics Manitoba Inc., 200 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4V9. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY www.thomsoninthepark.com 925-1120 Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2008