WILSON, Shirley

Shirley Wilson
1936 – 2025
The family of Shirley Edna Wilson, are saddened to announce her passing in Lethbridge on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the age of 89 years, following her struggle with dementia.
Shirley is survived by her children Beverly Wilson (Peter Cordingley) of Edmonton, Darren (Jodi) Wilson of Bow Island, Diane (Phil) Lodermeier of Lethbridge and Brad Wilson of Bow Island; her grandchildren Ryan (Cass) Lodermeier, Jessi Wilson (Duran Matson), Josh (Kass) Wilson, Claire Cordingley (Nathan Chu) and Elliott Cordingley; great grandchildren Maverick Matson, Beau Lodermeier, Bowden Wilson and Scottie Matson. She is also survived by her sisters Marlene(Art) Furlong and Myrna Granberg; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Carol Wilson and by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, her mother-in-law Hilda Wilson, her daughter-in-law Jackie Wilson and by her grandson Doug Wilson.
Shirley was born on April 19, 1936, to Fred and Jean Faust in Sonningdale, Saskatchewan, the middle sister of Marlene and Myrna. Their family lived in several towns around Saskatchewan before moving to Coutts in 1948. Shirley graduated from Coutts School in 1954 and married Bill Wilson on October 13, 1956. They had four children.
In 1963, the family settled in Bow Island. Shirley was a homemaker until her youngest child started school. She was an accomplished sewer, making clothes for her children and herself. She worked as the typist for the local newspaper – the Bow Island 40 Mile County Commentator, as a librarian at St. Michael’s School before eventually retiring from her position as the Family and Community Support Services coordinator with the Town of Bow Island in 2003.
Shirley was well known for her volunteer work in Bow Island which included being named Volunteer of the Year in 1982. She was actively involved with several sports organizations, as well as the local UCW (United Church Women). She volunteered at the Tourist Information Centre and helped with the town’s hundredth anniversary committee. She was a lifelong sports fan, watching hockey, baseball and curling to the end.
Then there was Girl Guides. After being volunteered to be leader by her daughter in 1968, Shirley went on to hold many positions in Guiding including Girl Guide leader, Pathfinder leader and Camp Advisor. As a leader, Shirley had a positive impact on hundreds of girls and women throughout her Guiding life. She attended many camps, including several international camps in Cape Breton and the United Kingdom. Shirley received many Guiding awards, culminating with an Honourary Life Membership. She had many life long friendships made through Guiding. She was an active member of the Cypress Hills Trefoil Guild until she moved to Lethbridge. She was proud of her daughter Bev and granddaughter Claire for carrying on the Guiding tradition.
A private burial service will be held at the Coutts Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
The family owes a debt of gratitude to Diane, for taking care of their mother over the last six years.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.