Shirley Moar

Shirley Jean (Michael) Moar was born on the 14th of November 1930 on the family farm to Charles Francis (Frank) Michael and Olive Mae Turberfield.  Shirley was the second of three children, sandwiched in between her older brother Jack and younger sister Clara.  Mum often described with joy her years of growing up on the farm in the Crescent District.  Her pony, Trixie, and she had many adventures together.  She loved the outdoor life, much to the chagrin of her maternal grandmother Elizabeth (Goodman) Turberfield.  Shirley loved working in the dairy with her father and said that the outdoor work was much more enjoyable than sewing and cooking! 

Shirley wanted to become a vet but there was no money for girls to go off to school. She instead got work in various fields, traveling out to Regina and Vancouver for work.  She came back to Yorkton and began working as a ward aid in the old Union Hospital in Yorkton.  Here, she married Alfred Moar on April 14th, 1958 and had her three children: David, Ken, and Marie.  She continued to work while raising her family, sometimes working a night shift then coming home to try and grab a few hours of sleep in between watching the kids and doing all her jobs at home.  Fortunately,  Fannie the dog was always on hand to help out when Marie got out of sight!

After Alf and Shirley divorced, she re-connected with her childhood sweetheart, Bill Venton.  She followed Bill to the Yukon and lived in Whitehorse with him and his children: Bonnie, Billy,  Bobby-Jean, Dwayne and Debbie.  Here, she helped Bill run a carwash business.  When they decided to retire, they moved to Vernon, British Columbia.  Many adventures were had especially when Bill and Shirley were off on the road, Shirley driving, and Bill trying to be her navigator.  Shirley was so happy that she was able to spend 15 wonderful years with Bill.  While there were many hardships, there was also lots of love and laughter.

After Bill passed away, Shirley returned to Yorkton to be closer to her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed so many family gatherings.  Many visits and phone calls with her sister-in-law Mabel Michael, her cousin Elaine Clarke, and her son-in-law George’s family (especially Bertha and Theresa) gave Shirley a wonderful retirement.  She was always active in her community, wherever she was.  She was a member of the Elks Royal Purple Ladies for over 40 years, The Eagles in Vernon, BC and a member of the New Horizons Seniors group in Yorkton.  She loved the Yorkton Terriers and was a season ticket holder for as long as she could drive herself to the games. 

She was an animal lover from the beginning, and that love lasted until the end.  From being in 4-H as a young girl to watching her son-in-law George in the Chariot and Chuckwagon races around the local communities. Nothing provided her more peace than to enjoy a day at her daughter’s farm, watching the horses and spending time with her grand-puppy Ty.  Shirley loved being with her family whether it was helping out on the Acreage or heading to Winnipeg to watch her grandsons play hockey.

Shirley passed away on November 3rd, 2022 in the Yorkton Regional Health Centre with Marie by her side.

Shirley leaves to mourn those who she was so proud of: her sons David (Bonnie) of Winnipeg and Ken (Mariea) of Esterhazy; her daughter Marie (George) Allary of Saltcoats; her grandsons Tyler (Natalie) and Chad (Kristin) Moar of Winnipeg; her great-grandsons Camden and Zavyer Moar; great-grandaughter Zenna Moar.  Also many nieces and nephews who were always a delight to her.  A special thanks to Karen Delong and Judith Donaldson who have looked after Shirley in their home for over a decade, giving her the security and independence that she craved.

Family flowers only please.  Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to any animal rescue organization.

A Funeral Service will be held for Shirley  on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Christie's Funeral Home and Crematorium in Yorkton.  

Interment will follow in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Moar, please visit our floral store.