SHIRLEY MATSKIW

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SHIRLEY MATSKIW It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Matskiw on Saturday, March 23, 2019. She went peacefully, with her family by her side, following a long illness. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Matthew Matskiw, parents, Mildred and Louis Berk, brother-in-law Don Baldwin, and cousin Larry Dunn. Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Roberta (Don), Sandra and Doug (Phyllis); her three children: daughter Kim (Terry), son Dwayne and daughter Keris (Scott). Shirley has three grandchildren, Ryan (Melissa), Adam and Dreya (Marc), several nieces, nephews and extended family. Shirley's favourite people in the world were her six great-grandchildren, Lily, Ella, Jack, Nora, Primrose and Prosper. She always cherished the time she got to spend with them. Shirley was born in Russell, Manitoba and lived with her grandparents from an early age. She enjoyed figure skating and tap dancing as a youngster. Later, she moved to Winnipeg with her parents. That is when she met the love of her life Matthew Matskiw. Her career was a busy one starting at Eaton's mail order at the age of 15. She would split her time over the years working in the meat department of several grocery stores, and the various businesses that she and Matthew owned and operated. No matter how busy she was with work, Shirley always made time for children. Be it for her own kids' extracurricular activities, to volunteering with kindergarten students, chaperoning band trips, and serving as a Brownie Leader for many years. Shirley had a great love of animals and regularly donated to rescue shelters. She loved Caesars, lime margaritas, raisin scones, and a very hot cup of orange pekoe tea. In 1991 she supported Matthew and Keris' love of Ukrainian cultural arts by helping them to found Zoloto Ukrainian Dance. Over the next 28 years she obtained a very large extended family of dancers and parents who loved her and appreciated her many tireless efforts, from Zoloto's dance classes, summer dance camps and the Zoloto Ukrainian Dance Festival. She was an extra "Baba" to countless dancers and showered them with her love, support, encouragement and the occasional scolding. Her dedication was integral in Zoloto creating and successfully running The Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion at the Folklorama Festival. By being a significant figure in so many family and friends' lives over the years she leaves a legacy that will live on. In lieu of flowers, as per Shirley's wishes, donations can be made to the Zoloto Ukrainian Dance GoFundMe page. Zoloto was her pride and joy. Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St., West St. Paul. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenedenmemorial.ca Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2019