1934 – 2022
Peacefully, with family by her side on Jan. 29, 2022 Shirley Miller (nee Petterson) passed away at the Victoria General Hospital at the age of 87.
Mom to Heather Brownlee (Tom), Brenda Gagnon (Greg) and Glen (Adele), Grandma to Jenelle (Hans), Krystal (Ron), Tamara, Jaryn (Cory), Robin, Ryan; Gigi to Ayden, Isabelle, Austyn, Carter, Colton, Leo, Caiden & Cedric. Survived by her sister Beverly, sister-in-law Norma, best friend Sue and numerous friends, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Gladys (Fred) & Thure, her husband Donald, brother Carl Petterson (Freda), sister Eileen Lauder and grandson Justin.
Shirley was born on May 11, 1934, in Selkirk, MB with a built-in sidekick, her twin Eileen. She grew up in Great Falls and spent many summers with family at Beconnia Beach going for rides in the horse and buggy her grandparents had. She met the love of her life in 1956 in Great Falls and married on Sept. 7th, 1957 in Lac Du Bonnet. They were blessed with a daughter Dec. 13, 1958, followed by their second daughter 1 year to the day and a son in 1963. Throughout their lives together, Shirley and Don surrounded themselves with family and friends. Shirley followed Don throughout his 37+ year Hydro career, from Great Falls to Thompson to Gillam and Grand Rapids and finally retiring back to Thompson in 1989 where they spent 12 years until 2000 when they returned to Lac Du Bonnet to live with a river view, Shirley’s greatest dream. They immersed themselves in the community and enjoyed old and new friends. Due to Dad’s failing health, in 2010 they moved to a 55 plus residence in Winnipeg where Shirley resided until her passing. Mom was a quiet lady who embraced everyone. She was a member of the Royal Purple for over 50 years and was an avid bowler, knitter, bingo and card player, a huge fan of curling, the Jets and Bombers.
She was so proud of her family and friends and cherished every chance she had to spend time with her kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Every year in August Mom and Dad took the 3 of us on a one month family vacation and either traveled to BC or had a stay-cation in Manitoba. They often traveled to attend special events for their grandchildren who all spent part of their summers in Thompson to attend swimming lessons. Our hearts are broken but we are so thankful for the wonderful memories she created for each of us.
The family would like to thank the staff on 5 North at Victoria Hospital for their care in her final days as well as Dr. S. Ahmad, Dr. Peshkin and Dr. Dirks for all their care and support over the years.
In lieu of flowers donations in Mom’s Memory can be made to the Manitoba Lung Association or Siloam Mission.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of life will be held in the summer. If you would like to be notified of the date and time please email shirleymiller0534@gmail.com
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Geordie Pratt
So sorry to read this. Spent many hours working bingos and hall cleanup with Don and Shirley in Thompson. Our condolences to the family, Anne and Geordie Pratt
Debbie Dueck
Brenda, Heather and Glen, we are so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was amazing lady as was your father Don.
Shirley always had a warm, infectious laugh, that made you want to get to know her better.
Our thought and prayers are with you.
Darlene and Fred Robak
We are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Condolences to your whole family.
Kim & Del Phillips
We are so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Though we haven’t seen them in years we enjoyed getting to know them during our time on Union Ave. and their visit to our home in Stonewall, once, a number of years ago. Much love and healing prayers for all of the family.
Gail Mackisey
My sincere sympathies to you and your family Heather. Hopefully, your happy memories will help you through these difficult times.
Nancy Leigh
Heather, Tom and families
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss and extend my sympathy to all.
Nancy Leigh
Billie Newton
Heather, Brenda and Gregg. I still have a smile on my face when I think of your Mom and your Dad. They took us under their wings when we moved to Gilliam. I’ll never forget how patient your Mom was for allowing a half built TV to sit on her dinning room table for I think about five years. Both your Mom and Dad had the gift of laughter and kindness.
I know she will be so missed by all of you. She was one of those people who I thoughts would live forever.
Sending my love and condolences.
Billie Newton
Jackie Gamble
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, my condolences to you all.
Marina & Robert Snyder
We were sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. We knew her & your dad for many years & different towns! They were awesome people/ friends, they surely will be missed by us, and many others.
Robert & Dolores Neumann family
Please accept sincerest condolences from our family. Your Mom was a special person whom we shared many wonderful experiences over the years. We have many fond memories of your Mom and Dad and we will miss them both.
Sandy Clarke
Heather, Brenda & Glen, we’re saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing and our sympathies go out to you.
Shirley was like our second Mom in the early Thompson days, just as you were like our other brother & sisters – I still remember the path in the snow that went straight from our back door to yours (before you moved across the street).
There are so, so many memories – I’m so glad to have them to cherish.
Our condolences are with you all, but we also fell blessed to have known Shirley for all the time that we have.
Sandy & Val Clarke
Lisa Robertson
My condolences to all the family your mom was such a sweet kind and gentle lady.
Darrell and Erika Bracken
Heather, Brenda and Glen many times our families were brought together by the friendship of our parents. Many good times and memories were made. I would like to think that our parents would be together again.
Erika and I would like to extend our condolences to your families.
John & Connie Honer
Our sympathies to you all. She will be missed. xo
Ramona Crowther & Jack Kuhl
Heather, Brenda, Glen and families – our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom.
Shirley was a lady who I always held in the highest esteem. She was so many characters in my life while I was at Grand Rapids – boss’ wife, employee, but most of all a friend. The most touching time was when she helped look after me when I was really sick with the measles – I did not even know she was one of the caregivers.
Each one of you and your spouses but especially her grandchildren / great-grandchildren were the joy of her life.
She will be missed but I know you have fantastic memories and hope they will help ease the loss of such a memorable lady.