Obituary of Shirley Ann Leibel

Shirley died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, January 13, 2020, at the age of 88 years. The time we had with her was a miraculous gift. She was predeceased by her husband Harold; daughter Patty Reimer; son-in-law John Reimer; grandson David Reimer and son in law Howard Fraser. Shirley is survived by her children, Katherine (Ed) Wasiak, Bob Leibel, Sharon Fraser, Lori (Jim) Duerksen, Jackie (Rod) Dizy, Gail (John) Thompson and Kari Sobering; grandchildren Jason (Erin) Wasiak, Michael (Alin) Wasiak, Tamara (Kyle) Attanasio, Tianna (Ruud) Van Vlerken, Neil Fraser, Shannon Fraser, Steve (Nikki) Duerksen, Nathan Duerksen, BJ Duerksen, Dani (AJ) Waldal, Ken Dizy, Amanda (Andrew) Zylak, Angela Thompson, Tadem Sobering and Kitara Sobering; great-grandchildren, Locklyn and Saoirse Attanasio, Noah Fraser, Morley Duerksen, and Scotlynn Zylak. Shirley was a Mother at heart – she considered her most significant accomplishment in her life the raising of her children, grandchildren and assorted neighborhood children. She saw her occupation to be wife, mother, grandmother, housekeeper, cook, secretary, financial manager, gardener, educator, practical nurse, counsellor, and care giver, usually all at the same time. When asked what she would change in her life if she had to do it over, her response was an emphatic ‘Nothing’! She lived a life for others – loving, sharing and caring generously. Everyone that met mom felt immediately accepted, supported and loved by her. Many children in the neighbourhood and in her guiding groups grew up calling her ‘mom’ and ‘Auntie Shirley’. She always had time for whoever was in need – of time, a smile, an ear, a hug, a meal, a lecture, or just a presence, she was there. Mom always had a positive outlook. She faced life with a combination of wisdom, wit and a definite sense of humor and fun. Beyond those indescribable attributes, mom had many documented accomplishments – she attained her BA, diploma in Education, taught ESL and adult literacy, sat on the U of R Senate, spent years with the Guiding Organization, CWL, Regina Council of Women, Provincial Council of Women of Saskatchewan, Social Action Committee, Regina and Area Refugee Support Group, and as a strong member of Holy Cross Church. When asked what she wanted to say to her family and friends, her response was “See you later!” In commemoration of Mom’s life, prayers will be held at Holy Cross R.C. Church, 315 Douglas Avenue East, Regina, SK, on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross R.C. Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. Flowers gratefully declined. Family and friends so wishing may make memorial donations to a charity of their choice.