SHIRLEY DOREEN BARTLEY (STEWART)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SHIRLEY DOREEN BARTLEY (STEWART) With great sadness we announce the untimely passing of Shirley Doreen Bartley (Stewart) at the age of 66. Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Partner, Friend. These are some of the roles she played and all will be sorely missed. Left to mourn is her daughter Kara Dawn (Ken) and precious grandson Jacob, her mother Eleanor Stewart, brother Wayne Stewart (Maryse), sister Dianne (Jim), sister-in-law Myrna, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Shirley was raised on a family farm in Cordova and attended high school in Minnedosa where she met Lyle, her husband of 35 years. She moved into Winnipeg and spent three years in residence at Misericordia pursuing her R.N. and ceding some life-long friendships. After a short stint working at Misericordia, Shirley completed her Bachelor of Nursing at University of Manitoba and returned to Misericordia as an Instructor. Lyle and Shirley took great pride in building their dream home in Charleswood and shortly after celebrated the arrival of Kara Dawn. At the same time, she persevered with Lyle's unexpected illness and need for dialysis while awaiting a kidney transplant - the miracle that gave us 26 more years together. Shirley's strength shone through as she cared for Lyle and Kara and pursued a new Instructing career at Red River Community College, a position that would span 30 years and create opportunities for her to mentor, research and present to others. A life-long learner, Shirley completed her Master's in Education part-time while juggling work, family, friends and volunteerism - she was truly a Superwoman . Shirley loved to entertain and bring family and friends together. She created wonderful memories for many people and never passed up the opportunity to celebrate a milestone or just have friends and family over to play cards, scrabble, or talk. She also loved to travel. Shirley, Lyle and Kara spent many cherished vacations across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. After Lyle's death in 2000, Shirley continued to travel with family and friends, marking her retirement in 2002 with a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Equally important were the trips and times shared with her friends - nursing, teaching, working or golfing, Shirley made many valued friendships along the way. Shirley found love and companionship a second time in her life, marrying Horst Wichert in 2004. Shirley passed on the travel bug and together they cruised Alaska, South America and points in between. They spent much time together, including their final moments. She will be missed by many, but none as much as me, her daughter. She was my mom, my best friend and my confidant. I will always cherish our time and travels together - and the advice that you had to offer and I didn't always want to take - I'll even miss that. I love you dearly. Thank you to all the family and friends for being there - for me and for Mom. A private service will be held at Chapel Lawn today and a public Celebration of Life will follow in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Kidney Foundation of Canada - Manitoba Branch or Riverview Health Centre - Palliative Care. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2009