Shirley Sarah DeMale nee Adamson

She will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 71 years, Erwin; her daughter Debbie (Dale) Knutson & their children, Ryan (Shelby), Glen, and Lindsey; her son Jeff (Marlies) & their children, Stephen (Hilary) and Melissa; her son Darrin (Lisa) & their children, Kristin (Matt), Shae, and Joel; and her great-granddaughters, Charlie and Maisie, and great-grandson, Nolan. Shirley was predeceased by her father, Robert, her mother, Lydia, her sister, Lillian Hamilton, and her brother, Robert Adamson.

Born in Huxley, near Trochu, Alberta, on August 30, 1935, Shirley spent her early childhood on the beautiful banks above the Red Deer River—a place she fondly remembered for its natural beauty and simple joys. After the passing of her father in 1942, a loss that profoundly shaped her life, Shirley and her mother relocated to Calgary. There, they faced frequent moves and school changes as they worked to build a new life.

In 1952, Shirley left school to join the workforce and embraced the independence of young adulthood, living with close friends. In early 1953, she met the love of her life, Erwin, and in December of that year, they were married—beginning a partnership that would span more than seven remarkable decades.

In their early years, Shirley and Erwin lived life to the fullest—dancing, bowling, curling, camping, going to movies, and spending time with friends and family. But above all, Shirley found her greatest joy in raising her family. Nothing mattered more to her than being present for the big and small moments in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Whether cheering loudly at hockey, soccer, ringette, or football games, celebrating birthdays, graduations, or family milestones, she was always there—our most loyal fan and proudest supporter.

She never missed an opportunity to brag about her family to anyone who would listen. Each of us held a special place in her heart, and right up until the end, it was the phone calls, quick visits, and simple moments of connection that brought her the greatest happiness and peace.

Shirley and Erwin spent their working lives in Calgary, where they built both a family and a livelihood. In 1976, they embarked on a new adventure, founding Majestic Masonry. Through their hard work and partnership, they ran a successful business until their retirement in 2002. Shortly after, they moved to Red Deer to be closer to two of their children and began a new chapter.

It didn’t take long for Shirley to become an active and valued member of her new community. She generously gave her time volunteering with the hospital lottery and found joy playing bridge at the Golden Circle, the Legion, and the local bridge club. She also welcomed countless friends and family into her home, creating a space filled with warmth and hospitality.

The true joy of her life in Red Deer was creating and maintaining a beautiful home and a stunning flower garden—something she took immense pride in and lovingly tended each season.

Shirley will be remembered for her loving heart, kind spirit, and fun-loving nature. She was an excellent friend—always ready for the next adventure and eager to spend time with the people she loved. Mom had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, and her warmth and laughter made every gathering brighter.

She set a beautiful example for her children and grandchildren, teaching us the importance of family, kindness, and living life to the fullest. She was the glue of our family—the heart of every celebration, the one who brought us all together. Whether hosting grand family gatherings, cooking phenomenal meals, or baking treats we’ll never forget, she filled our lives with joy and comfort.

Mom was a woman of many talents. Her gardens were the envy of the neighborhood, her ceramics crafted with love, and she gave her time generously to causes close to her heart. She also had a soft spot for pets. Over the years, she and Erwin shared their home with several beloved dogs and lovingly cared for their children’s pets, often looking after Duke and Dakota as part of their daily routine.

Shirley and Erwin shared a lifetime of wonderful experiences, beautiful holidays, and countless memories. They traveled often, making treasured memories on vacations to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Europe, and on the many cruises they enjoyed around the world. For nearly 14 years, they spent their winters in Arizona, escaping the cold in their beloved motorhomes. Their journeys were filled with laughter, adventure, and the joy of meeting new friends—stories they loved to share when they returned home.

Through their travels and joyful spirit, they showed their family the importance of embracing life’s opportunities and cherishing time together.

Shirley’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at Eventide Funeral Home (4820 45 Street, Red Deer, AB) on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A reception and luncheon will immediately follow at the same location.