SHIRLEY ANNE OLESKI
March 28, 1935 - January 3, 2024
Mrs. Shirley Anne Oleski, age 88 years, passed away peacefully at Southbridge Pinewood on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Born and raised locally, Shirley graduated from Fort William Vocational School. It was in high school where Shirley met her sweetheart, Richard.
After graduation, she began a brief office career before dedicating herself to being a devoted wife and mother full-time. Shirley and Dick were wedded on June 28, 1958 and celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage. They raised three children together and would later share the joy of spending time with their grandchildren. More recently, Shirley enjoyed the thrill of watching her only great-grandchild grow up before her eyes through frequent family Zoom calls.
Shirley dutifully supported her children in their academic pursuits and their many extracurricular activities. You could find her at many baseball games, band performances and competitions, or dance recitals. Shirley also proudly supported her husband’s favourite pastime, loyally attending Lakehead Antique Car Club events with him and his beloved vintage automobile.
While caring for her family, Shirley also enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including crafts, ceramics, and knitting. Her painted ceramic Christmas trees and cozy afghans were particularly admired, and continue to be cherished by her family.
Friends and extended family were important throughout Shirley’s life. She actively stayed in touch with countless numbers of them regularly, and was well known for her cheerful phone calls to brighten spirits and thoughtful greeting cards with beautifully hand-written notes. She enjoyed the sisterhood of meeting with her "Sewing Circle" group for many years, made up of lifelong friends.
Shirley was dedicated to her Christian faith, and was proud to be a longtime member of St. Thomas Anglican Church where, faithfully following in the footsteps of her mother, she admirably served for many years on the St. Thomas Altar Guild. She was also a member of the church’s Evening Group for study, prayer and fellowship.
Always fond of a good tune, Shirley and Dick were exceptional dancers and were featured with the Harmony Hoedowners and St. Thomas Twirlers Square Dance Clubs. They also enjoyed participating in a weekly bowling league together.
An avid collector, one of Shirley’s most prized collections was made up of a wide array of souvenir spoons from all over the world. She enjoyed looking at them, displayed handsomely in her home, and each one brought her warm reminders of friendships, travels, and happy memories.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered by sons Richard (Amy) and Randall (Suzanne), daughter Sherill (Bob), grandchildren Ryan (Chantal), Gabrielle, Calvin, Tyler, Brianne, and great-granddaughter Matilda, as well as by nieces and other relatives.
She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, her parents Reta and John Mintenko, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jean and Stephen Oleski, and granddaughter Ariana.
Shirley's family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Southbridge Pinewood for all of their care and compassion.
Funeral services for Shirley Oleski will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Anglican Church, officiated by the Rev. Jonathan Blanchard. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held prior to the service, at 10:00 am.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in memory of Shirley to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
