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SHIRLEY GELLER
Born: Dec 27, 1949
Date of Passing: Jun 12, 2022
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SHIRLEY GELLER
Shirley Geller passed away peacefully, in her sleep, after a long illness on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
She was predeceased by her brother Larry Geller, her mother Rebecca Geller (nee Edberg), her father Samuel Geller, and her Zaida Shimon Edberg. She is survived by her nephew Akiva Geller (Stephanie), her nieces, Elana (Alex) and Gavriela (Mark) Geller, her sister-in-law Bonnie Geller, her great-nephews and great-niece, Caleb, Sam, Josh, Rowan, Finn, Asher, and Noah, as well as many, many friends.
Shirley was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 27, 1949, a few months after the passing of her father. She was raised by her mother and her beloved Zaida in the culturally vibrant North End. Her lifelong love of trivia started as a child when her brother and his friends would get her to memorize facts, and then test her on them. As she grew and went to university, to get a degree in German, she went on the trivia TV show Reach For The Top. While growing up Shirley went to BB Camp where she met many lifelong friends. After she finished university she moved to Germany where she spent two years working. When she returned she lived in Calgary for a few years and then moved back to Winnipeg, where she lived until she moved to Ottawa where she stayed. Shirley worked for the government in various positions and departments her whole working life.
Shirley loved languages. Her first language was Yiddish followed by English. She would later learn German and French. Shirley also loved animals. She had many cat companions throughout her life and one special dog, Samson.
Shirley was always so full of life, always ready with a witty remark or a fact or lines of poetry, often in German.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m., at Jewish Memorial Gardens, 2692 Bank Street, Ottawa. Refreshments will be served afterward at Machzikei Hadas, 2310 Virginia Drive, Ottawa. For those who are unable to attend in person, please visit the Hulse, Playfair & McGarry website where a livestream link has been provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley's name can be made to the Ottawa Humane Society or Diabetes Canada.
Condolences/Tributes/Donations
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
www.hpmcgarry.ca
613-233-1143
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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We met Shirley at Simon's Deli in the North End in the 80s. What fun we had playing trivia game and the name game. Shirley was so smart, loved the movies and I can still hear her laughing. Sharon Love and I flew to Ottawa one weekend after her first heart surgery. The last time we saw her was when she came to the St. John's school reunion and she stopped here on her way from the airport. She called us The Water People. RIP Shirley. We will miss you. Love, The Waterpeople - Posted by: Shirley Geller (Friends) on: Jun 19, 2022
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When I think of Shirley, I think brilliant mind, beautiful voice, and big personality. I also think of the Latin expression Ex Libris. She inscribed it on the inside cover of her books—and she had many! I remember Shirley hanging out after school at my house with my sister, Gity. I was the proverbial “pesky younger sister.” Things change as one gets older and I have remember visiting Shirley in Ottawa and a fun meal with lots of laughter. RIP, Shirley. Deepest condolences to her family. - Posted by: Likey Segal (Friend) on: Jun 17, 2022
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Thank you Shirley for my having known you. You were such a treasure who cared. Anita - Posted by: Anita Moyse (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2022
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She was without a doubt one of the smartest and gifted people I have ever known, so full of life she could sometimes seem a tad overwhelming to the rest of us mortals. Talk about a zest for life. We first met in 1979 when we both worked for the Feds in Winnipeg. Being the youngest amongst a crew of old codgers at Head Office, we naturally gravitated to one another and over the course of countless coffee breaks and lunches, became good friends. Her generosity, for which I will forever be grateful, allowed me spend 4 months with her in Bonn, Germany in 1981, an experience that eventually lead to the decision to move to Europe permanently. Shirley came back for a visit to Frankfurt in the mid 1990’s and we took her for a tour of the Applewine district called Sachsenhausen. Speaking fluent German and aware of the various songs associated with the culture, she ended up on stage at a bar that night, singing her heart out with a pair of elderly musicians. She returned to our table in a near state of ecstasy that was unique to Shirley. It’s one scene of many that will remain with me till the end. Say hello to Cuthbert, Shirl. Keet June 14, 2022 - Posted by: Keet (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2022
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Shoil was FUN! from UC Film times to UMSU to Mrs L's Info Desk to hanging out when she came to Wpg for DeLucas lunches. We argued over films. I introduced her to some different musical genres. We played Beatles Trivial Pursuit. She let me win. I'll miss all the phone calls in our senior years. Shil, such a doll, such a loss. - Posted by: robbie harrison (friend for 45 years) on: Jun 14, 2022
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Memories bring back memories of your birthday party while we were at St. John’s High. We enjoyed talking about our teachers, socializing and just moving our lives forward. You always laughed and brought joy to all who knew you. LUBA - Posted by: Luba fedorkiw (High school friend) on: Jun 14, 2022
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A sweet soul, Shirley, I hope heaven has a great film festival and you get the seat you deserve. - Posted by: Hart (Friend ) on: Jun 14, 2022