SHIRLEY ANN GOERZEN

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SHIRLEY ANN GOERZEN (nee GIBBONS) Peacefully, on July 5, 2016, Shirley passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sons, Larry (Karen) and Brad (Leslie), her grandchildren, Mark, Kayla, Riley, Zach and Owen, as well as many relatives and friends. Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband Peter, her parents, Olive and Laurence Gibbons and her sister Leila Powell. Born in Winnipeg on August 19, 1935, Shirley lived in Elmwood and kept busy with many social groups and activities. Of special interest was the National Order of Job's Daughters where she served as Honour Queen. Soon after graduating from Lord Selkirk High School, Class of '53, Shirley began her career as Secretary of the PC Party of Manitoba, which quickly lead to her role in 1955 as Executive Assistant to the Hon. Duff Roblin -Premier of Manitoba. Shirley and Peter were married on April 16, 1960. A year later, she stepped back from the workforce to raise her family while remaining active in the community, serving as Member and Chairman of the Transcona Library Board and as Secretary of the Transcona Minor Hockey Association. In 1977, Shirley returned to work as Executive Assistant to Hon. Sterling Lyon - Premier of Manitoba and later as Executive Assistant to the Hon. Gary Filmon while he served as leader of the Opposition. In 1988, Shirley opened the Ministers Regional Office (Federal Cabinet) for Hon. Duff Roblin where she worked until her retirement with Peter in 1990. Between their family home at 15 Presidents Court, their family cottage at Falcon Lake, and later as snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona, Shirley and Peter enjoyed hosting and entertaining their family and many friends over the years. In the past few years, Mum was an active participant as a member of the Lions Cove Condo Association. She led the Social Committee and made many new and lasting friendships during her time at 15 Valhalla Drive. Affectionately known as Gramma G and Gramma on the 5th floor, Mum took great enjoyment in attending and following all of her grandchildren's various activities and interests and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. The family wishes to thank the staff of I. H. Asper Institute and the staff of Seven Oaks hospital for their considerate care. For those who wish to make donations, please consider the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7 or Transcona Memorial United Church Building Fund, 209 Yale Ave. West, R2C 1T9. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held Monday, July 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Klassen Funeral Home. KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 HENDERSON HWY 204-338-0331 Condolences may be sent to www.klassenfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2016