SHIRLEY JOYCE LECLAIR

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SHIRLEY JOYCE LECLAIR December 9, 1931 - September 28, 2002 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley LeClair, peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, September 28, 2002 at Riverview Health Centre. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Young; and husband Gideon ("Kit"). Left to cherish her memory are her children, Karen, David (Leanne), Brian (Tracy) beloved grandson Stefan; sister Dorothy (Morrice) nephews, Ken and Colin; and many other relatives and friends. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she was the oldest of two children. Shirley had fond memories of her youth including day trips to Grand Beach on the train, hours spent with her sister Dorothy listening to mysteries and Jack Benny on the radio, and good times at school where she met her lifelong friend Bette Pauley. In 1945, she started work at Eatons Grill Room, cleaning the silver that was used for afternoon tea. After high school, she continued working at Eatons but moved into the budget office. Shirley was an avid bowler and it was through bowling that she met her husband and love of her life, Kit. Her first devotion was to her family. She was proud of the fact that she was a good mother, and her family loved her for her unfailing patience and loving guidance. She had a special way of making each of her children feel like they were her favourite. After her children were grown, Shirley returned to work and took a position in the Building Department at the Winnipeg School Division Office. She later moved to the Accounting Department where she greatly valued her role as an accounting clerk. Shirley was born into a musical family and music was always a central part of her life. As a child she learned to play the piano, sung in school and church choirs and passed on this love of music to her children. In later life, she joined the Sweet Adelines barbershop choir and rediscovered the joy of playing the music of her youth on the piano. Shirley had a great love for life and for simple pleasures, and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She believed that God only gives you what you can handle and she dealt with lifes adversities with acceptance and poise. She will be dearly missed by many. Special thanks to the many Homecare workers, nurses, doctors and volunteers who worked hard to make Shirleys life as comfortable as possible over the past two years. Special thanks to volunteer Angie, good friend Pat, and the Palliative Care team at the Riverview Health Centre -- particularly "3E" nurses Helen, Marlene, Andrea and Chase for taking such great care of her. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2002