Shirley Joann Woodward

Shirley Joann Woodward (nee Hay)

1936 - 2026

The family of Shirley Woodward are saddened to announce the loss of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother Shirley Joann Woodward on Saturday June 20th, 2026, following a brief illness.

Shirley was born on May 8th. 1936 in the district of North Creek in the RM of Minitonas to Robert and Olive Hay.  Shirley was predeceased by her husband Fred in 2020, her parents as well as her brothers LLoyd, Hendry, Ed and her sisters Margaret and Peggy. Also predeceased by her son inlaw Dennis Brown.  Left to mourn her passing are her three children Marilyn, Bob (Viola) and Leslie (Geoff), seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.    

Following her move to Swan River she met Fred while working at Woodies Bakery.   As a young adult and after starting a family she commenced working for Ruddock's pharmacy, Chernoff's pharmacy and later Pharmasave.  Shirley retired in 1996.  When not enjoying summers and fall with Bob, Vi and the kids Shirley and Fred spent many years travelling to Alberta to visit her daughters' families.

During her leisure time Shirley was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star.  She was also an active member of the Swan River curling club and spent many decades curling in mixed and ladies and travelling throughout the Valley attending bonspiels.  She was very excited that her ladies team skipped by Kathy Sanderson and achieved an eight ender during one of those bonspiels.  Shirley was also an accomplished cross stitcher, and her family are very delighted to all possess one or more of her beautiful pictures.  Later in life she also took up quilting and was able to gift a handmade quilt to her great grandchildren.

According to Shirley's wishes she has been cremated, and no formal funeral will take place.  A private family celebration will take place at a later date.

If friends desire memorial donations in memory of Shirley may be made to Community Foundation of Swan Valley Box 1509 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0.