SHANKLAND, Geraldine “Gerri”

SHANKLAND GERALDINE “GERRI” VICTORIA MARIE SHANKLAND, (aka Noni to many) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mervin Shankland, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at the age of 81 years.
Gerri is survived by her two sons, Kevin (Jennien) and Kurt; her two grandchildren, Taylyn (Brandy) and Nicolas (Anna). She will also be sadly missed by her sister, Annette, niece Lolo (Ted), sister-in-law, Eunice, brother-in-law, Harvey (Ruth) and their families, cousin, Duff (Judy) and dear friends, Marjorie, special nephew, Bruce and nieces Debbie, Marija, Vera, Jeanie and Mary Ann.
Gerri was born on July 9th 1942 in Bellevue at home. She completed her grade schooling in the Crowsnest Pass. Following that, she went on to further her education in nursing at St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge and graduated in 1963. Gerri worked in nursing for 56 years in many areas, including Head Nurse and Instructor, retiring from her career at the Post Acute Rehabilitation Program in 2019. It is no surprise that she was nominated for the Martha’s Excellence Service Award as well as the Carna Nursing Excellence Award. She has experienced the joy of traveling to Britain, Russia, Mexico, Italy, road trips within Canada and to Alaska and many trips to Arizona with Russ and Wanda.
Gerri met the love of her life, Mervin, in 1964, and was swept off her feet with Merv’s dance moves. They married in 1968. In 1971, they welcomed their first son, Kevin into the world.
Four years later, in 1975, after Kevin pleading and begging for a sibling, they were blessed with another son, Kurt. In 2003, Gerri became a Noni and welcomed her treasured grandchildren, Taylyn and Nicolas into the family.
Her strength, kindness and caring was evident by the friends and family that surrounded her throughout her life and as her health was failing. She will be remembered by all of her friends and all the lives she touched during her life including all the lovely buns she would bake for everyone.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Gerri’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Gerri will be laid to rest with her husband in Mountain View Cemetery in Spring 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca), St. Michael’s Health Centre (covenantfoundation.ca), Alberta Lacrosse (albertalacrosse.com), CASA (casalethbridge.ca) or a charity of your choice.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com