SHIRLEY JEAN FRANCIS-WIEBE

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SHIRLEY JEAN FRANCIS-WIEBE After a brief but courageous battle with cancer, Shirley passed away at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, with her family by her side. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Harold Francis and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sonja and Jacob Wiebe. Surviving are her loving husband of 58 years, Jacob, daughter Andrea (Randy), sons Jeffrey (Debbie) and Gregg (Elizabeth) as well as her grandchildren, Ben, Kate, Ainsley, Kristen, Joseph and Andrew. Shirley is also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kay, Harry (Joanne), Mary, John (Terri) and Frieda (George), as well as many nieces and nephews. Shirley was born in Portage La Prairie, MB on June 12, 1929 but was raised and received her public schooling in Morris, MB. In 1947, she enrolled in the Interior Design Program at the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1950. In 1953, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Jake. Shirley worked as an interior decorator in Winnipeg, Brandon, Vancouver and in Kenora at Town and Country Home Furnishing Store. In 1955, Jake accepted a position in Kenora and Shirley spent the rest of her life in this beautiful community. Shirley's first passion was always her family however, being very athletic, she also enjoyed softball, skating, golf and curling. She started curling when she was 12 years old and after moving to Kenora became extremely accomplished in this sport. Shirley and June Shaw represented the Province of Ontario in the Nationals on four different occasions. As well as being an active member of the Kenora Curling Club, Shirley was also active in the Kenora Golf and Country Club. Her quietly competitive nature also showed in countless bridge games with her bridge club when the girls would gather for cards, friendship and dessert. Shirley joined the United Church while living in Morris and was very active in Knox United Church after moving to Kenora. Shirley and Jake spent the last many years wintering at their home in Winter Haven, FL, golfing with friends and hosting family and friends at special gatherings or for no reason other than the joy of camaraderie. In the summer, on their return to Kenora, they renewed acquaintances, spent time on the lake and at the Kenora Golf Course. A special thanks goes out to all the friends and family who visited with Shirley and a special thank you goes to Arleen Wilcox for her numerous trips back and forth to the hospital to help Shirley eat and to ensure her ongoing comfort. Thank you also to all the wonderful staff at the Lake of the Woods Hospital on second east and in admitting. A special thank you to Dr. Wiebe whose compassion helped the family come to terms with Shirley's condition. Also thank you to Doctors Spencer, Kroeker and Fast who helped Shirley in her hours of need. Please know that you all not only comforted Shirley, but you also provided comfort to her family. In lieu of flowers, please support the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation, Knox United Church or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Shirley's life will be held at Knox United Church at the corner of 2nd Street South and 5th Avenue South in Kenora on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.. A private interment will be held later in the day.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2011