Shirley Elizabeth Freill

Our cherished Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma passed peacefully on September 30, 2024 at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Left to treasure Shirley’s memory are her children Joanne (Doug) Watson, Gerald (Paulette) Freill, and Robyn (Brock) Wolfe; seven grandchildren, five grandchildren-in-law, six great-grandchildren, one brother, one sister-in-law, one brother-in-law, the extensive Jones family, and her many friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband – our father, George Geldard Freill; her parents Marie (Bonne) and Henry Jones; her parents-in-law Lillian (Geldard) and James Freill; an infant granddaughter, three brothers, two sisters, and many in-laws.

Shirley was born on November 7, 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in the Fort Garry neighbourhood. As a young woman she worked at the Eaton’s downtown store, framing pictures and parceling shipments for destinations around the world. Once married, Mom was fully devoted to raising a family and making a home – whether it was in Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia or Alberta.

It was Shirley’s family that brought her the greatest joy; whether napping on the couch with a brand new grandchild, meeting overseas cousins on a trip to Great Britain in 1977, celebrating the marriages of her children, nieces and nephews, or delighting in the successes of family members.

In the mid-1980s she and Dad returned to Winnipeg, taking up square dancing, spending winters in Texas and travelling to visit their children and their families. Their 65-year marriage exemplified deep love and commitment, and they were the perfect match.

In early adulthood, Mom became a member of the Catholic Women’s League; in embracing church ministry and service, she grew in faith and bore witness to the love of God. In the 1970s she joined the international sorority Beta Sigma Phi and enjoyed many hours with her sisters celebrating life, learning and friendship. Being a member of both organizations gave Mom additional avenues to radiate her kind and loving nature, and to be of service to her many home communities across the country. She was a remarkable example of dedication to others, and a gold standard Mom. We will miss our chats about family news, gardening and travel, and reminiscing about any number of fun family gatherings that still make all our sides split with laughter. We will miss her smile and her hugs.

Sincere thanks to Dr. J.B. Sharkey for his exceptional care, compassion and humour over many decades. The 4-North staff at Victoria Hospital are second-to-none and exemplified skill, kindness, and respect during Mom’s days there. Much love to all her close friends, including at Sterling House and 100 Adamar. Every one of these made positive differences in her life. We are forever grateful.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Dr., Winnipeg; Father Jean Baptiste (JB) Nguyen, celebrant. A reception and interment will follow.

If desired, donations may be made in Mom’s memory to the Victoria Hospital Foundation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation (MB).

Mom kept a little card containing this poem inside a small address book. The card was given to her by one of “we three Freills” and speaks for all of us.

Mother…

Remembering all the yesterdays,

The special growing years

Spent with friends and family

And shared with smiles and tears…

Remembering all the yesterdays

And, knowing as I do,

The love in those sweet memories

Is all wrapped up in you.

We love you, Mom. Say hi to Dad for us.