SHIRLEY ELIZABETH CHASE -

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SHIRLEY ELIZABETH CHASE 1932 - 2009 Peacefully on October 27, 2009 at Poseidon Care Centre, Shirley Chase passed away. Shirley was born in Winnipeg and grew up on the family farm west of Brunkild, Manitoba. Her first school was Upland not too far from the farm. High school meant a move to Emerson and then United College where she graduated with the Gold Medal in English. Her spirit of adventure showed itself when she and friend Shirley Palmer set sail for England, Scotland and much of Europe. Returning to Manitoba she worked first at Children's Aid Society in Portage then back to Winnipeg to join Child and Family Services where she served for many years interrupted only by her U. of M. studies to obtain her Masters in Social Work. In the early 1980's Shirley became co-coordinator of Family Services in Thompson, Manitoba as she had exactly the skills and dedication required being such a strong advocate for the concerns of aboriginal people. Quickly adapting to northern living and finding the people truly friendly she soon felt at home and remained in Thompson until her retirement due to ill health in the early 90's. Although not well herself, Shirley found the strength to volunteer with Patient Partners educating health professionals in how to work effectively with R.A. Patients. Always a passionate supporter of human rights and women's rights she was a member of LEAF, a national organization working for equality for all Canadian women. Shirley dearly loved her country, her province and her city and often remarked that she couldn't understand why anyone would want to leave, even if it did get cold! She enjoyed and supported all the arts Ballet, Symphony, Art Gallery and Literature being especially drawn to local and Canadian talent in all fields. But above all, Shirley cherished her family and will always be remembered for the love and generosity she showed her parents, her siblings and her nieces and nephews as well as members of her extended family in Canada, US and UK. It was her first joy to phone and visit as often as she could. Lovingly remembered by sisters, Kathleen (Gerald Dales), Betty Anne Thomsen, and brother Ronald Chase (Doreen), her nieces and nephews, Carol (Ken), Donovan (Maggie), Jeffrey, Ryan (Lily), Laurel (Warren), Kathleen (Brian), James and Beth Thomsen. There are as well many cousins across Canada and U.S. The family wishes to thank the staff at Poseidon Care Centre and Dr. Hartley for their loving care of Shirley since July 2008. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. with Reverend Don McIntyre officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 105-386 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3R6 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street Suite 200, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0K6. What we have once enjoyed we can never lose, all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2009