Cover photo for Shirley Joan Deans's Obituary
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1931 Shirley 2022

Shirley Joan Deans

April 8, 1931 — July 24, 2022

Shirley Deans passed away peacefully on July 24, 2022, at the age of 91, at Brentwood Care Centre in Calgary where she resided for her last 3 months.

Shirley will be sadly missed by her entire family. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 71 years, Bob Deans, by her parents, Gordon and Myrtle Witwer, and two sisters, Patty Lou Baxter of Medicine Hat and Doreen Laing of Enderby, BC.

Shirley is survived by her son, Gord (Pat) Deans, and her daughter, Joanne (Lynn) Frizzell. She also leaves 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Christie (Derrick), Freddie & Frankie Newman, Heather (Marcin), Feliks & Theo Partyka, Scott (Tori), Vince & Colin Deans, Courtney Deans, Paul (Lisa Nielsen) & Jameson Frizzell, Megan (Kyle), Charlotte and Gabe Laudel.

She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Stewart of Calgary and her brother-in-law, John Laing of Enderby, BC plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley Joan Deans was born on April 8, 1931, at the hospital in Trochu, Alberta to her parents, Gordon and Myrtle Witwer. Shirley contracted polio when she was very young and had to learn to walk again when she was about 4 years old. She started her schooling at Buckeye School near Sunnyslope, where her parents farmed. Due to allergies to farm living, she moved to Three Hills to live on Main Street above the insurance office with her beloved grandmother, Jesse E. Young, and attended school in town.

She had many jobs in Three Hills, including AGT telephone operator, Horsley Hardware, Crown Lumber, Jean’s Style Shop, Adam B. Young Insurance, where she enjoyed working with her Uncle Duke Young, and finally, Canada Post. Shirley married Bob Deans on November 10, 1951. After spending most of their married life in Three Hills, Bob and Shirley retired in 1989 and moved to Airdrie and Calgary. They enjoyed their final years together at the Lodge at Valley Ridge in Calgary, where they were lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff.

Shirley was a very generous person who enjoyed spending time with many friends, her family and her grandchildren. Her door was always open to anyone that needed a helping hand or support. She was a talented seamstress and knitter and kept herself very busy with creating clothing, blankets and many gifts for all the grandkids and great grandkids that came along over the years. She was very community-minded in Three Hills and devoted her time to many organizations, including Royal Purple, Three Hills Elks Patrol Team, IODE and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Guild.

Shirley will be remembered as a kind, gentle soul by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
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