Shirley Jean Cook

Shirley Jean Cook

     It is with sadness that Shirley’s family announce her passing on September 29th, 2018 at the Portage District General Hospital following a hip fracture just days before.  Shirley was born on May 5, 1927 to David & Jennie Phillips.  She grew up in the Myrtle area with her older siblings: Margaret, Lloyd, Wesley, Mildred.  Shirley married Harold F. Cook on November 29, 1944 and they were married for 69 years.  They resided in Rosebank, Myrtle, Roland and Portage La Prairie.  They were blessed with four children: Joan, David, Linda and Faye.

     Shirley had a strong love and devotion to her family.  In addition to her four children, she was blessed with her children marrying spouses that she was very close to as well.  She was an incredible cook and baker with some of her specialities being Christmas dinner, oatmeal cookies, butter tarts and brown sugar shortbread.  Family gatherings brought her joy and she enjoyed them right until the end.  Shirley was honoured to be called gramma by 9 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 3 great-great granddaughters.  She loved little kids and found great delight in their visits, having cookies with them and watching them play.  Family was her world. Shirley loved watching the birds and her home displayed many bird ornaments.  One of her favourite things to do with her husband was dance.  They were beautiful together on the dance floor and we hope they are dancing together once again!  She will be remembered for her sweet smile, her caring demeanor, her giggle, her famous baking and her constant interest in her familiy’s activities and lives.

     After Harold’s death in 2013, Shirley was diagnosed with dementia and then resided in Douglas Campbell Lodge until her passing.  She leaves behind her cherished family; her daughter Joan Swain and granddaughter Sheila (Dave) and their sons Eric, Cody and Jordan; grandson Keith and his sons Ethan and Nolan; grandson Darryl (Lisa) their daughters Jayna and Lindsay;  her son David and granddaughter Pamela (Jason) and their sons Declan and Keegan; grandson Randy (Ashley) and their daughters Emma and Riley; her daughter Linda Freeman and granddaughter; Gail (Brent) and their children Devin, Jessica Ann, Caitlin, Jessica Lee, Curtis and Josh; granddaughter Tamara (Scott) and their children Marissa (Dusty) and their daughters Rhyan, Avery and Emerson, Aaron, Taylor and Brookelyn, her grandson Kevin and his children Sophia and Nicholas, her granddaughter Susan (Jason) and their daughter Violet, and her youngest daughter Faye.   She is also survived by her sister-in-law Agnes Phillips. 

     Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband Harold (2013), her daughter-in-law Gordene Cook (2011) and both sons-in-law Ken Swain (2017) and Roy Freeman (2017).  She was predeceased by all of her siblings Margaret (John) Humbert, Lloyd (Lillian) Phillips, Wesley, Mildren (Fred) Tippen.  She was also predeceased by her sister in law Marion (George) McKenzie.

     Interment will be held prior to the service at Fairview Cemetery, Roland, MB at 10:00 a.m.  Shirley’s life will be honoured and remembered on Saturday, October 6th, 2018  at 3:00 p.m. at the Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie, MB.

     In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Society of Portage la Prairie, 108-B, Sask. Ave. E., R1N 0L1 or to Sunset Palliative Care; Box 92 Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3B2..

Condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com

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