Shirley Kathleen O'Neil

Shirley K. O’Neil

March 29, 1948 – October 30, 2018

     Shirley leaves to remember her always; her husband Ron, with daughters Stacy and Scott Turner, grandsons Nicholas and Josh and Sherri and Ryan Knott,  grandsons Connor and Cameron.

     Left to remember their sister and sister-in-law are Marg (Les) McCuaig, Charlie (Donna) Scott, Albert (Sandy) Scott, Gerald (Doris) Scott, Jack Ediger, Shannon Tessier, Dianne (Vern) Russell, Dale O’Neil and Tami Lumsden (Mike).  She held a special place in her heart for her daughter from Sweden, Annette Alsterholt.  Many nieces, nephews and close friends will miss her handmade gifts of love.

     Pre-deceased by 2 younger siblings in infancy, her parents, Ron’s parents George and Florence O’Neil and her siblings Betty Ediger, Johnny Scott and Bobby Scott.

     Shirley Kathleen Scott was born in MacGregor to Tom and Clarice Scott (nee Edwards). She attended Bazin, Fort la Reine, and Prince Charles Schools, finishing at PCI. She was always proud to say she attended PCI. Shirley enjoyed working at the Playhouse Theatre. While at PCI she met Ronnie who became the love of her life. On November 29, 1969, the day before the football game, her and Ron were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Portage la Prairie. 

     Shirley and Ron moved to Mine Centre, ON where Ron worked for CNR. While there they lived on the highway beside Mine Centre Resort before moving a trailer onto the hill. She shared many memories and has the photographs to tell the stories of all the adventures they had. Late night boat rides, berry picking, skating on the lake, chatting with the summer visitors, cleaning cabins, or running from the bears on the powerline. Many everlasting friendships were formed and were kept up with letters and visits.

     In 1978, Shirley and Ron made the move back to Manitoba, purchasing the High Bluff General Store. Here she helped Ron run the store and post office while being an amazing mom and loyal neighbour and volunteer in the community.

     In 1990, the store was sold and the move was made to Portage. Here she worked for Audrey’s, Bill’s Sticky Fingers, Jimmy Deans and Sonny’s Grocery Store. Shirley joined the Ruth Rebekah Lodge and this was a highlight in her life, a close second to her four grandsons. She would attend any event she could to be a part of the boys lives. Spending time at the cabin, she created so many memories with them.

     You knew you held a place in her heart if you received on of her “hand-made with love” treasures. Hats, scarves, mitts and afghans were knitted with amazing detail. She blossomed in the chaos of family, loving to give and provide, and of course talk  - oh did she love to talk!

     In recent months, Shirley’s dementia robbed her of her life as we knew it. While still in good health physically, her mind failed her and her new home became the Lions Prairie Manor. She accepted this quickly but was always ready to go for a drive with Ron and the girls.

     Unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, after a morning visit with Ron, Shirley went for a nap and never woke up.  She will be missed forever and never forgotten.

     Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 5th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Saskatchewan Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB.  Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.  

     In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Shirley can be made to the Ruth Rebekah Lodge No. 3, 53 Strathcona Rd., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2J2.

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com.

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