SHIRLEY SUTTON

SHIRLEY BODNAR SUTTON
Once upon a time, in the metropolis of Thunder Bay, Shirley Almaida Sutton was born! It was a cold winter's day on December 20th of an undetermined year. To be honest, if you would ask her, she would always say it was none of your business. Her parents, Alfred and Bertha (Nichols) Sutton were so happy to have a blue-eyed, bouncing baby girl.

As she grew, she spent a lot of time with her father and adored every minute of it. A tomboy through and through, she could scuffle with boys and always stand up for what she believed.

In her twenties, Shirley met the love of her life, although she did not know it yet. Ronald Bodnar was her suitor and relentless in his chase. He was so persistent he would sit at her stoop religiously and she would retreat out a different door. But alas, Ronald was victorious by capturing her heart and they were married.

A couple of years later, Shirley and Ronald Bodnar welcomed a baby girl and named her Sherry. A chip off the old block, Sherry would find herself in precarious situations which was met with an eye roll or two by Shirley…some things never changed!

Shirley worked for the Federal Government as a client representative for unemployment until retirement. Shirley was proud to be a lifetime member of The Moose Lodge. Shirley would enjoy her summers at Gummeson's Camp and had many fond memories.

Years passed and Shirley would welcome a son-in-law, George Stadey, then have grandchildren, Terri (Stadey) England and Shannon (Stadey) Drews (Brad Drews). Shirley was lucky enough to have great-grandchildren, Kerrienne England, Mackensie Burns and honorary grandchild, Erica (Owl) Simpson.

Sadly, Shirley had to say goodbye to many people, her parents, her husband and her son-in-law. Shirley showed great strength during these times.

With Shirley, family was not limited to blood-relatives, she welcomed everyone! Shirley befriended her neighbors, Jayne and Raymond Smith. Shirley was like a mother to them and a grandmother to their daughter Amanda. Shirley would speak of them fondly and proudly hang their pictures on her wall as a memento of how she felt about them. They would do many errands and make sure that Shirley was doing well, which did not go unnoticed. Shirley's zest for life included spending time with her friend Heather Woods. Heather was a treasured companion to her, and she would do anything for Shirley.

Shirley celebrated her life for over nine decades, and we invite all of you to now do the same. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Daytona's Kitchen and Creative Catering, located at 965 Cobalt Crescent, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Come as you are, if you are able and when you can; we will have the coffee pot on. Internment will be held at a later date
with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.

Arrangements entrust to the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com