March 24, 1930 – May 7, 2019
It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother. Shirley passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at the age of 89.
Shirley is survived by her sister Connie Matthews, daughters Laurel Davies (Jim), Diane Trenholm (Randall) and Merrill Clark (Bill); by her grandchildren Jessica Davies (Fahiem), Colin Davies (Sarah), Evan Milejszo, Julian Milejszo; great-granddaughter Alice Davies, and her many nieces and nephews for three generations. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward Tyderkie, her son-in-law, Witold Milejszo, and grandson Evan’s fiancée, Heather Lachnit.
Shirley was the eldest daughter of George and Rose Wallis, whose family business was market gardening and bedding plants which led to her lifelong love of gardening. Even at the age of 89, she maintained her own beautiful garden, well known for its specialty daylilies and profusion of colour.
When she was 15 she met the love of her life, Edward. They went to Luther League at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Elmwood and sang together in the choir. Ed and Shirley married on August 18, 1951, and their love-filled marriage lasted 59 years.
Shirley was known for her many creative interests. In early 1950 a demonstration by the Manitoba Crafts Guild inspired her to join, where she took classes in many types of embroidery, macramé, tapestry weaving, and silver jewellery. Elsewhere she learned both bobbin and needle lace as well as quilting. Before long she began designing her own creations and teaching. Lately, she devoted her time to beading, although she still loved designing and stitching quilted wall hangings. Shirley was also one of the founding members of the Winnipeg Embroiderers’ Guild. She entered competitions for her work and one of her creations was acquired by the Massey Foundation Collection of Canadian Crafts in Ottawa.
Our mother has taught us so much and encouraged our own creativity, love of music and gardening, and the importance of family gatherings around the table. Whatever we were interested in, she became interested in too. Even with her grandchildren, she entered their world; whatever was important to them became important to her. And she was a role model for us. When others dealt with the loss of their own mothers, we saw that she was always there for them too. Mom was a most gracious and vibrant lady who was loved, respected and admired by so many, and we already miss her so much.
Cremation has taken place. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 5335 Portage Avenue, Headingley MB. A family burial will follow at a later date.
Shirley was a long-time supporter of many worthy causes but two were her favourite. Donations in her memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, or the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3.
