Shirley J. Hicks (Nee Loyns)

May 11, 1936 – November 22, 2023

Our beloved wife and mother Shirley Hicks (Loyns) passed away peacefully on November 22 at the age of 87.  Shirley was a wonderful wife and mother who was always there when we needed her.   She had many friends from all walks of life, and was a well-loved member of each of the communities she lived in.  Her life, spent most recently in Beausejour and previously in Leaf Rapids, Manitoba was long and filled with laughter.   

Born in Carman, Manitoba, Mom got her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Pedagogy degrees at United College (now University of Winnipeg) and began her teaching career in Rivers, Manitoba.  There she met the love of her life, Bill, and shortly thereafter started a family with him as he pursued his own degrees at the University of North Dakota.  Their adventurous spirit took them north from Brandon to Cranberry Portage, then further north to the new community of Leaf Rapids. 

Upon retirement, Mom and Dad relocated to Beausejour where they lived until recently, enjoying their sled dogs and frequent visits from their children and grand-children.  Weekends on their acreage and Sunday dinners involved time outdoors, excellent food and a great deal of laughter.

Mom was a lifelong believer in the power of education and the importance of reconciliation and social justice, particularly food security and homelessness.  An excellent and highly respected high school English teacher, after retirement Shirley volunteered at the adult literacy centre in Beausejour.  She gave countless hours of service as food coordinator for the Beausejour Food Bank.  As an environmentalist, she spearheaded the first recycling depot north of the 56th parallel.  Mom’s values were reflected in action and service for others. 

Mom is survived by her devoted husband Bill, her children Bruce (Tracy), Mike (Pam), David (Debbie) and Alison (Jamie); her grandchildren Reeve, Drake, Will, Madeleine, Anais, Simon and Emalee; and her great-grandchildren Greyson and Maxine.

A memorial service will be held in Mom’s honor in Beausejour, MB at Sobering Funeral Chapel (1035 Park Avenue East) on Sunday, December 3rd at 1 pm.

The family wishes to thank staff at St. Boniface Hospital, Riverview Hospital and Grace Hospice for their incredible kindness and respect while providing care. 

We invite you to make a donation to Indspire.ca (note the spelling) or Harvest Manitoba in place of sending flowers.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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