SHIRLEY IRENE WICKSTROM (STEWART)

Shirley Irene Wickstrom (Stewart) passed away, with family at her side, on Monday, Oct. 14, 2013 in Kelowna, B.C. at the age of 86.
Born July 5, 1927 in Clandeboye, Man., she was the youngest of six daughters born to Elizabeth McBain and Walter Sutherland.
Music was a mainstay in the Sutherland home, served with generous portions of love and laughter.
Shirley came to Fort Frances, Ont. in 1947, when she married John R. Stewart. Together, they raised their children (Laurie, Sherry, and Wendi) on their farm in Crozier.
Shirley was a teacher and the first principal of Alberton Central School.
After John’s death in 1974, Shirley married Ken Wickstrom and their adventures took them to Kelowna, B.C.
Ken predeceased Shirley in 2008.
Shirley was an active participant in her community as a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and choir director at Knox Untied Church in Fort Frances.
She shared her passion for music with her children, many school choirs, friends, and family. She always could be found at the piano.
Shirley is survived by her children, Laurie Stewart (Lorraine), Sherry Moran (Tim), and Wendi Stewart (David); step-children, Judy Donnelly (David) and Bruce Wickstrom (Betty); 15 grandchildren, Travis, Keri, Aimee, Samantha, Laurie, Thea, Dawn, Michelle, Barbara, Kendra, Nicole, Adam, Jamie, Brian, and Steven; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She will be dearly missed, but she is free at last from the confines of Alzheimer’s disease.
A celebration of life will be held in Shirley’s honour at a later date in Fort Frances, at a time when her family can gather together (an announcement will be made prior).
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com, clicking on stories, and typing in Shirley Wickstrom.