Shirley Margaret Alice Kazakoff

           Shirley was born at home in Atwater on July 1, 1936, the oldest child to Bernt and Margaret Anderson.  She passed away peacefully at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Esterhazy on September 25, 2017.

           Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband Joe (January 24, 2004), her mother and father, mother-in-law Mabel and father-in-law Mike, brother Morgan, and niece Doris.

  It’s hard to summarize Shirley’s life into a few short paragraphs, as we could write a book on her strength alone.  Mom started her schooling in Atwater. On her first day of school she met her life long friend and neighbour Betty Zimmer.  She attended Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute in Outlook, SK. for grades 11 and 12. After graduation she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, where she worked as a secretary/bookkeeper, receiving an honourable discharge in 1957.

  Shirley’s career then became raising her family. Many will remember her as the Avon Lady, a job she absolutely loved, as she spent more time drinking tea and visiting than actually selling Avon. Shirley was always an active member of the community, volunteering countless hours to many different committees and organizations.

  Shirley’s true passion was her crafts. We could go on for hours about all the beauty she created. Many, many baby blankets were made; not only for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, but for whom ever was having a baby. Each grandchild was given a cross stitched quilt or crocheted afghan made by Grandma, and as wedding gifts she made the most beautiful crocheted table cloths.  All her love and pride went into every stitch.  We can’t forget all the Ukrainian Easter eggs she made us every Easter.  Her love of crafts was endless, she even did some painting while in the Care Home.

  Shirley was a social lady who enjoyed playing cards or a game of    bingo.  Even when she moved to the Care Home, any activity taking place she was sure to be involved.  If she wasn’t out in the activity room she was in her room enjoying a good book or doing a crossword, except when curling was on, that was serious time.

  Shirley was a devoted Christian.  Her faith in God was strong and when asked would give guidance. During all her medical struggles not once did she complain or ask, “why me”.  She faced every challenge with courage, strength and faith.  Many times, saying “Everything happens for a reason, we don’t need to know the reason, we just need to accept God has his plans”.

  Left to mourn her passing and treasure her memory are her children; Roy Anderson, Kathy (Vern) Rodgers, Roberta (Lonson) Prettie, Joann (Dave) Soloway and Vicki (Brad) Matyas.  Her grandchildren; Christina (Jason), Bradley (Aimee), Bryce (Ashley), Stephen (Jessica), Neil (Alexa), Kevin, Kari-Lynn, Davy, April, Chase (Chantal), and Kyerin. Her great grandchildren; Ocean, Philip, Breanna, Colton, Avery, Kinsley, Parker, Olivia, Keegan, Paighton, Logan, Murdock, and Wayland.

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