SHIRLEY ANNE RUSSELL

Peacefully, surrounded by love, Shirley Anne Russell passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at her Rainycrest home in Fort Frances, Ont.
Shirley was born Friday, Sept. 3, 1937 in Winnipeg, Man. and moved with her family to a farm on the river in La Vallee. In 1940, the family moved to Fort Frances, where she has resided ever since.
Her musical talents revealed themselves at a very early age, and soon Shirley was taking voice and piano lessons. At the age of 11, she started taking violin lessons.
Her natural talent in this area is well-remembered by longtime residents of the district. Her dedication to her craft was rewarded by trophies and scholarships every time she performed at music festivals.
Shirley is remembered for being the first Rose Bowl winner for Instrumental Music.
Shirley shared her musical gifts with performances at local service clubs and banquet halls until graduating from high school. As well, as part of a local quartet, she played in various local venues.
Shirley retired from teaching in 1991. For most of her 34 years, Shirley taught students at Robert Moore School. In all but her last few years, Shirley’s teaching career was dedicated to the area of special education.
After receiving her teaching diploma, Shirley spent many years taking off-campus departmental courses. She earned her B.A., with a major in Sociology, from Lakehead University.
Throughout her teaching career, the ukulele played a prominent part. Many students benefitted from her love of this instrument.
Shirley was a supportive member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church from childhood. She also was a member of the Redwing Rebekah Lodge #109 and “Evergreen Chapter” of the Order of the Eastern Star.
As well, she served as treasurer for the Elementary Teachers’ Bargaining Unit for 15 years.
Shirley had a great love for dogs of all kinds; she had a preference for terriers and owned several during her lifetime. She also worked for the Fort Frances Kennel Club for many years as treasurer.
She was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Ivy Russell.
A celebration of Shirley’s life was held Monday, July 23, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. in Hallett Hall at Rainycrest, with Rev. Dianne Clifford officiating.
In memoriam donations may be directed to the Dialysis Unit at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. or to a charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com