SHIRLEY MERONEK

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SHIRLEY MERONEK It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Meronek, our beloved mother and grandmother, at Pembina Place Personal Care Home, on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Shirley leaves to mourn her daughters Susan Ziemski (Alan); Barbara Ann; Lori Merasty (Gary), granddaughters Megan and Robin; son Daniel (Leslie) and grandsons Rowan and Kalem. Shirley was born on April 13, 1930 in Montreal. She met her husband John after he ventured to Montreal from Stony Mountain. They married in 1949 and the family moved to Winnipeg in 1965. Mom joined Sorority and was a member of the chapter Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years. She received the Order of the Rose for fulfillment in her own life of the ideals of courage, vision, humility, loyalty, fellowship, and service. Shirley loved all her sorority sisters and enjoyed charitable activities like selling Blue Bomber programs at the games, volunteering at Winnipeg Harvest, and, knitting toques for CancerCare patients. She especially looked forward to the Yellow Rose Ball and the many conventions. In 1974 after raising four children Mom went to work in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba. She then became the Director of Campus Parking at the University of Manitoba, being the first woman to hold that position. In 1990 Shirley became a grandmother and decided to retire to spend time with her grandchild. Mom and Dad were longtime members of the Winnipeg Winter Club. They loved curling and Mom also played badminton. Later Mom joined the Reh-fit Centre, continuing her badminton and taking aerobics classes. Her favourite exercise was a daily walk along Wellington Crescent. Mom enjoyed her season tickets to the Bomber games and she volunteered for the PanAm games by welcoming foreigners to Winnipeg. Mom was a terrific cook who loved family dinners and entertaining friends. Her seamstress and knitting skills were exceptional as evidenced by the many clothes and costumes she made for us and Mom's petit point work was proudly displayed throughout the home. Shirley was the consummate mother and grandmother. The most important thing in her life was being a mother. In her later years seeing children always brought joy to her face. Our sincerest thanks to the staff and friends at Pembina Place Personal Care Home for the care, compassion, and love they showed our mother. A private family interment has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society of Manitoba, Unit 10 - 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2009