It is with sadness that the family of Shirley Pelkey announce her peaceful passing on Aug. 30, 2008 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. at the age of 85.
She was born March 15, 1923 in Fort Frances to the late Frederick & Pearl Morrison.
Shirley received her education in Fort Frances and enlisted in the R.C.A.F. at an early age. Hearing the news that her brother Jimmy was listed as Missing In Action overseas in 1943 was the inspiration behind her joining the Air Force. Serving her country became one of the greatest prides of her life and in her later years she was overwhelmed and humbled by the assistance DVA provided for their War Vets.
Shirley also held various managerial positions in Fort Frances during the course of her life, as well as working locally for Roland Roy and Orla Thomasson and Brockies Jewellers.
She was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church, the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Frances Branch 29 and was also an active Red Cross blood donor for many years.
Family always came first as Shirley was a very loving and devoted daughter, sister, Auntie & friend.
Her other joys in life included; gardening, socializing with her wonderful neighbours, sewing, baking, spending special time with all of the little children in her family and of course she was a big fan of our Canadian Snowbirds Air Team, which she had a big part of her heart reserved for. When they came to perform in Fort Frances, Shirley was treated as their guest of honor at the reception, was escorted to sit in their “Tudor” plane and the air show was even dedicated to her. This proved to be a major highlight in her life.
In the fall of 2007, Shirley moved to Rainycrest where she learned to love the nurses and staff who became very dear to her.
Shirley is survived by her nephew Rob Sinclair of Fort Frances; nieces Kathie (Mike) Sawada of Niagara Falls, Mitzi (Larry) Armstrong of Fort Frances; great nieces and nephews Robbie (Shelly) Sinclair of Thunder Bay, Kathie (Lorne) Jackson of Fort Frances, Dr.Michael (Natalie) Sawada and Raija (Mike) Sawada of Ottawa, Nikki (Chris) Wiedenhoeft and Shane (Bobbi) Armstrong of Fort Frances.
Great-great nieces & nephews are Danielle, Sara, Jaime, Nicholas, Callahan, Christian, Austin, Alex and Ashton.
She is also survived by many cousins, her God-daughter Lila Gattinger and her very dear friends Larissa and Jim Curr.
She was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Pearl Morrison; brother James Morrison (R.C.A.F.); sisters Kathleen Callahan and Alice Widurski; niece Fran Sinclair; nephews Thomas and Sean Callahan; and great nieces Allison Armstrong and Heather Sawada.
Cremation has taken place in International Falls, MN., and at Shirley’s request there will be no funeral. Her family nd close friends may attend a graveside service at the Fort Frances Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Georgina Connor officiating. The Fort Frances Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Color Party will provide their tribute, and Dr. Bruce Lidkea will be playing the bagpipes. Honourary pallbearers will be Rob Sinclair, Mike Sawada, Larry Armstrong, Robbie Sinclair, Dr.Michael Sawada, Shane Armstrong, Chris Wiedenhoeft, Lorne Jackson, Larissa Curr, Jim Curr and Dr. Brian Johnstone.
Should family & friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be directed to St.John’s Anglican Church, 360 Church Street, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 1E1, or in care of Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, ON., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.mem.com
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