Shirley Stensrud
1936 - 2024
Our mother, Shirley May Stensrud (née Weatherhead) age 88 years, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Friday, March 29, 2024.
She spent her last days surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Shirley is survived by her children Brian (Darla) Stensrud of Bow Island, Wayne (Michelle) Stensrud of Lethbridge and Sharla (Mike) Herauf of Lethbridge; grandchildren Courtney (Otys), Tanner (Michelle), Drew (Megan), Alli (Dylan) and Tristan; great grandchildren Huckley and Wilder. She is also survived by her sisters Jean (Ivan) Eriksen, Arlene Poole, Carol Weatherhead and Sherry (Don) Drake; sisters-in-law Marilyn Weatherhead, Naomi Spaulding, Gertie Pierson and Zelda Stensrud, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of fifty three years Adrien; parents Clarence and May Weatherhead; brothers Larry, Earl and Dale Weatherhead; brothers-in-law Ross Poole, Elmer Stensrud, Marvin Stensrud, Albert Spaulding, Sam Lockhart, and Bob Pierson; sisters-in-law, Mavis Weatherhead and Doris Lockhart; and parents-in-law Henry and Helga Stensrud.
Shirley was born on February 26, 1936, in Lethbridge to Clarence and May Weatherhead of Burdett. She had a very happy childhood and being the oldest of eight children, was like a second mother to the younger ones. After graduation from high school in Bow Island, she attended Garbutt Business School in Lethbridge. During that time, she lived at the YWCA with girlfriends, where much fun and likely, shenanigans, occurred. She fell for a handsome, blue-eyed boy named Adrien, who stole her heart. They married in 1956 and lived in Lethbridge until 1957, when they returned to Bow Island to farm. The early farming years were a challenge with raising a family, low income and many “hailed-out” years. Their immense desire to be a farm family and hard work ethic helped them to succeed.
Shirley worked at the Bank of Montreal in Bow Island for a few years then worked in the office at the Weatherhead family John Deere business, Green Power. She worked alongside her mother for decades, immensely enjoying their time together. Shirley worked part-time until around the age of seventy and often joked that she couldn’t retire before her mother, who worked into her early nineties. Working in the family business gave a perfect work/life balance, which allowed her to help on the farm and spend more time with her children. Her fridge was always full, and she could whip up a delicious and nourishing meal in no time at all. Many a harvest meal was served from the trunk of her car.
Shirley enjoyed many activities such as curling, golfing, skiing, gardening and helping with the kids’ activities. She attended and volunteered at countless hockey, ringette, ball games and figure skating carnivals, both as a mother and a grandma. Being a part of the United Church community and singing in the church choir along with dad and many friends brought her much joy and contentment. Shirley and Adrien travelled to many places but their favorite place in later years was spending winter months in Arizona with good friends. One of her very favorite things was “having a coffee” with family and friends. Her bright smile, laughter and friendliness was appreciated by many.
After Adrien’s death, she lived at the Pleasant View Lodge for four years and then, Fairmont Extendicare in Lethbridge for nine years, where she received loving and compassionate care throughout her lengthy journey with dementia. Karen Thom was a perfect companion for her; they enjoyed music, food, dancing, singing, excursions and much more. Karen provided safety, security and reassurance to our mom when we couldn’t be there with her.
Mom, you are loved and cherished and we are so proud and grateful to be your children. Rest easy, your struggles and suffering are over, for which we are thankful.
Service information will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Shirley’s name may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society, 40, 1202 - 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0E3 www.alzheimer.ca.