Shirley Brownlee

Shirley Brownlee

1942 - 2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Shirley Brownlee on January 31, 2026.

Shirley was born in 1942 on the family farm in the McKay District, NE of Bowsman, MB to Michael and Elena Kushniryk. Shirley’s parents emigrated from Ukraine to Arbakka, MB. They then settled and farmed in the Crestview area west of Swan River, MB in 1912 before moving to farm in the McKay District, NE of Bowsman, MB in 1940.

Shirley came from a large family, the youngest of 17 children. She was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and was a proud first generation Canadian. She loved to share memories of growing up on the farm and attending McKay School. Upon completing school, she worked as a waitress before getting married. After raising her family, she later worked for the Swan Valley Co-op until her retirement.

Shirley married Leonard Brownlee in 1958. They farmed in the McKay District until retiring to Swan River. The couple had four daughters: Barbara, Sheila, Colleen and Rhonda; four grandchildren, TJ, Carla, Ashley and Erin; and four great-grandchildren, Emma, Aria, Penelope and Cruz. She was a hard-working, kind and caring wife, mother, boba and great-boba.

Shirley was an outgoing, people person who enjoyed the company of neighbours, friends and family. She loved to garden, sew, crochet, knit, paint and make crafts. Although she would much rather be out in her garden, she was an excellent cook and baker. She was kind-hearted, loved animals, enjoyed feeding and watching birds, and marveled at the beauty of nature. She also enjoyed music, singing and dancing. She loved to curl and enjoyed watching the sport. Shirley was always committed to giving back to her community and was a long-time member of the Anglican Church Women and the Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents and 15 of her siblings. She is survived by her four daughters and their families, and many nieces and nephews. In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary Box 1450 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 in Shirley’s memory. Thank you to the doctors, nurses, aides and support staff at the Swan Valley Health Centre and Cancer Care Unit, as well as Home Care workers, for the compassion and care provided for Shirley. A special thank you to nurse Sara Butler for her kindness in the care of both of our parents.