On November 28, our beloved mother, grandmother, great- grandmother passed away suddenly after a very brief illness.

Shirley is survived by 7 children, Linda Walker (Norman), Thomas Skinner (Pat), Martin Skinner, Kathryn Hilsenteger (Ray), Sharlene Cust (Mark), Karen Gilmour (John), Maureen Jacobs (Peter), 23 grandchildren, 31 great grand children and two great-great grandchildren. Shirley was pre-deceased by her husband Dalton Skinner, son-in-law Allen Cust, daughter-in-law Sharon Lindhout and two grandchildren, Colleen Slocombe and Steven Walker.

Shirley was born November 19, 1930 in Miniota, Manitoba. Shirley was the youngest child of a family of 8. (6 sisters, one brother). Her mother passed away when Shirley was very young, so she was raised by her Dad. She spent her summers at her sister Irene’s, playing with her cousins and spent her later teenage years living with her sister Myrtle. Although she said she really wanted to be a nurse, money was tight, and it was determined she would become a teacher. She attended Winnipeg Normal School which led to teaching jobs in Portage la Prairie, Oakville and later Carmen.

One night, at a barn dance in Carmen, she met Dalton Skinner, who became the love of her life. They married in December 1950 and began their life together in Calgary, then moved on to Edmonton. In 1959 they moved to Red Deer where they put down permanent roots. Together they raised their large family, and Shirley devoted herself to her husband and children. She lost Dalton in 1991, and she carried on with great strength, devoting herself to her large family, grand children and great grandchildren.

Shirley was an active member of Sunnybrook United Church. She was an ardent participant with UCW and also held various leadership volunteer roles at the church over the 50+ year period. Shirley is known for putting others before herself. She received a Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Cancer Society recognizing her for her many years of volunteerism. She truly loved her volunteer work at the Cancer Clinic and had a regular weekly shift there for over 20 years. She was named Woman of the Year in 2000 by Red Deer Beta Sigma Phi to honor her contributions to the Red Deer Community. In their award, they commented on Shirley as “very modest and unassuming, staying in the background of things. She gives without hesitation” One sorority sister has stated “she is my ideal woman”.

We would like to thank Community Care Cottage for their wonderful care of our mom over the past 6 months. Their loving care was truly appreciated.

The service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at Sunnybrook United Church (12 Stanton Street), Dec 4th, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com

• Date : 2018-11-28
• Location : Red Deer