Obituary of SHIRLEY DEANNA SAURETTE

SHIRLEY DEANNA SAURETTE 19 March, 1944 – 04 June, 2020 Shirley Deanna Saurette, age 76 of Winnipeg passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020. Shirley is survived by her loving daughter Ria and son-in-law Donn Pirie; son Marc Saurette and daughter-in-law Marcy Scammell; grandchildren Andrew and Elizabeth, Justin and Michael, and Christopher and Katherine; brothers Bob (Dianne) and Lawrence (Mable) Yanke; sister-in-law Agnes (Wayne) McCowan and brother-in-law Albert (Melanie) LeClair; sister-in-law Marilyn Nicklefork and brother-in-law Gary Martin; many nephews and nieces; Donn and Barb Pirie; and life-long friends Phyllis Jivan and Amrat Jivan, and their sons Jarrett and Tyler. Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband Maurice (Moe) Saurette, sister Anna Mae Martin and son Ron Saurette, as well as her beloved dog Jessie. Shirley was born on March 19, 1944 in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, the eldest of four children born to Fred and Elsie (Darbyshire) Yanke. Growing up on the family farm, Shirley had a life-long passion for the rustic nature of the prairies, open skies and the open road; the beauty of horses, which she shared with her daughter Ria and took them to Montana on more than one occasion; and berry picking, gardening, and flowers. Shirley was a dedicated health-care professional, who worked as a lab technician in The Pas, Churchill, and Ninette, before settling in Winnipeg where she spent more than 25 years at the Victoria General Hospital, building lasting friendships and many memories. She met the love of her life, Moe, in 1971 and married in 1973. Together, they shared a love for camping and fishing at Blue Lakes and McBride Lake, which they enjoyed immensely with their three children and extended family. Family was especially important to Shirley and Moe, and they often traveled to Hudson Bay and Sioux Lookout. Mom was the life of the party, who loved to entertain family and friends and host everything from pool parties to Grey Cup celebrations. Following Moe’s unfortunate passing in 1984, she dedicated herself to volunteering with the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Her fondness for volunteering and sharing her time with others continued into her retirement, working with the Blue Bombers and Vista Park Lodge for many years. Mom also enjoyed golfing and curling, and family time at the cottage, and going on many adventures exploring Manitoba with her best friend Phyllis. The family would like to thank all of the staff at St. Norbert Personal Care Home for their care and compassion, as well as the residents that Shirley called friends. Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to Before the Bridge Canine Rescue. Condolences may be left for the family at www.cropo.com.