Shirley Doreen (Rempel) McIvor was born in the middle of winter, January 16, 1939, at Lady Grey Hospital in Nipawin, Sask. Her parents, Jake and Pearl named her after Shirley Temple, a famous child actress at the time. Big brother Wayne looked forward to having a playmate. Later that year, WWII broke out and the entire family moved to Hamilton, Ontario, so Jake could work at the factory during the war.

Upon their return, she began her education at Cherry Ridge School. Shirley’s early photos showed a vibrant, intelligent and social child. She dream during this time was to become a lawyer. Life took a sudden and devastating turn when she developed epilepsy at age 12. Her seizures were violent and unpredictable, causing short term memory loss and stripped her of confidence, friends and dreams.

“But not for long”

Her perseverance paid off. With her seizures under management, she ventured off to Prince Albert, Sask., on her own, to Business College. A wonderful friend Eilleen, became family after Shirley introduced her to her cousin Larry Rempel. While working in Nipawin, a handsome heavy duty mechanic from the Tobin Lake Dam project caught her eye. (the rebel in a cool car.)

“Yep…lovin’ a bad boy was a thing back then too”

Shirley and Gordon married May 20, 1961. Soon after, daughter Vicki, and sons James and Gordon Jr. arrived. After a few years of Gordon working away from home they decided to begin farming with Shirley’s parents, and raise pigs out at Klemmer Sub Division. It was during this time that Shirley successfully got her drivers license at age 32.

“This was her most significant boost”

With her new found independence, Dad made sure the care was shiny and full of gas, as she immersed herself in everything. Every Friday at Andres Carrousel Hair Salon, to rebuild her beehive hair style. She was Maureen Schreiner’s very first client and continued for over 51 years.

Shirley spent lots of time with her parents and learned to golf. She had already joined the Royal Purple around 1963. She held all of the chairs, several time, with her highlight being District Deputy. Her commitment and dedication continued for over 60 years and remained an active member until her passing.

“If you wanted to find Shirley, she was volunteering with the Royal Purple”

During the Centennial Year of Canada, in 1967, Shirley joined the Ladies Curling Club. One afternoon a week, the ladies curled…while their kids ran feral in the stands and lobby. She enjoyed years of Bonspiels, getting as far as Provincial Northerns. A few successes, always a good time! Who could forget the Cherry Ridge Bonspiel! One sheet of natural ice, with a warm spectator area and kitchen. You’d walk in to the heat of a wood stove and the smell of the best rink burgers. Spectators and curlers filled this area, full of smokers, great smells from the kitchen. Robust conversations and roaring laughter echoed.

“If you wanted to find Shirley, she was either on the ice or behind the lunch counter helping”

Cherry Ridge Community was the place to be during those days. Shirley looked forward to annual sports days, Halloween and New Year’s Eve dances, the community hall soup and sandwich lunches, quilting parties and afternoon card games. Shirley thrived in the love of fun and her connection with neighbours. They moved out to the farm full time and started “Gordie’s Auto Parts”. This kept Gordon busy with customers. Children grew up, got married and had families. Having grandchildren was a highlight in her life. Didn’t matter if they were biological or step, she loved them all.

“She had a fridge magnet that read…If I had known grandkids were so much fun, I would have had them first.”

All of these activities continued for many years, ever after moving off the farm in 2008. Gordon’s dementia made his move to Pineview necessary and Shirley reinvented her life again. She went on adventures with Vicki, had monthly group birthday lunches and card parties, became favourite bingo caller at the Elks Hall. She and Peanut visited Gordon until his passing in 2013. Mom’s place became the place to pop in for a visit.

“You got time for coffee?”

Shirley had a quiet determination and resolve. Her final years became slower, as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension creeped into her busy life. She maintained her quick wit, and service to her community. Making perogies or pies at the hall, selling tickets and mentoring new lodge members. She approached old friends and new with curiosity and kindness. Shirley celebrated her 80th birthday in style, going on a Caribbean cruise with Vicki, James, April and her family. She went out to the farm to visit Gordie and Kelly. Living at home was becoming a challenge, and her final stay at the hospital became the last chapter. With determination and courage, and support of her family, she made the decision to stop all medication, stop her pain and suffering, leave this mortal place… on her terms.

“November 27, 2024 at 6:30 am, Shirley peacefully passed at Nipawin Hospital.”

Shirley McIvor was predeceased by parents Pearl and Jake Rempel, son in law Robert Chapman, brother Wayne Rempel and husband Gordon McIvor. Of all her beloved pets, Peanut was he favourite, and missed her.

Mourning her loss is daughter Vicki (Basil) Mager, her children Justine, Jenna, Nathan (Chloe Norton), Regan Chapman, stepchildren Carla (Seb) Lobry, Luke (Brandy) Mager, Isabel Gerwing (Michael Trombley) and their families. Son James (April) McIvor, his children Coralee (Hunter Duncan), Colby (Keagyn Desorcy) McIvor, stepchildren Morgan and Amanda (Autumn Mason) Buyaki. Son Gordon Jr. (Kelly) McIvor, stepdaughter Kaila (Jackson Soanes) and family. Special kids Maureena (Dale) Schreiner, Brent McGonigle (Twila Pearce Diedericks), and Gordon Jr, and Kelly’s friend Verna Cameron. Sister in law Delta Rempel, Brent (Tammy Girard) Rempel, Dwayne (Michael Ewles) Coyston, Mark (Patty) Rempel, Tracy Vanrobaeys and their families.