Shirley Joyce Giesbrecht

Shirley Joyce Giesbrecht, 71, passed away on March 22, 2023 at Vancouver General Hospital. She spent her final days with her loving family and devoted husband by her side.

Shirley was born July 7, 1951, in Drumheller, AB to Charles and Marjorie Edwards. Shirley grew up in Calgary, AB, the second youngest of seven siblings, and spent her formative years surrounded by the love, joy, and support of her family. She often recalled fond memories of playing cards and games, and bemoaned the fact that she never could win against her brother Mark.

Shirley had many careers in many places - most notably she loved her job as a florist in Kamloops, and later her work in finance for Wells Fargo and Loans2Go. In her younger years, Shirley loved bowling - she was a part of a league and won a trophy for highest score in a tournament. Her trophy was displayed in her home for many years, and she often recounted her days in the bowling league while she was beating her grandchildren at it later in life. Shirley also loved to play cards - she was competitive to the teeth, and never seemed to remember her losses.

Shirley was blessed with a son, Michael, and two daughters, Kelly and Tanya. She raised her three wonderful children in Kamloops, BC, and they were her pride and joy - the lights of her life. As a mother she was firm but fair, supportive, fun, and most importantly she loved her children entirely, and unconditionally. She supported her children through the highs and lows of their lives - ever present, always reachable, and forever devoted. In 1995, Shirley was blessed with her first grandchild, four more of whom arrived in 3 year increments. Brody (son of Michael), Ally, Nathan and Ryan (children of Kelly), and Dylan (son of Tanya), were loved, supported, and absolutely doted on by their grandmother.

Later in life, when her children were grown, Shirley moved to the Lower Mainland where she met the love of her life, and her perfect match, Wayne Giesbrecht. Her beauty, charm and wit undoubtedly wooed him instantly, and they were married on August 18, 2007, in an intimate ceremony in Kamloops, BC, surrounded by their friends and family. They spent their years together in Delta, BC, running a successful business, having fun at the casino, frequenting their second favourite place: USA Costco, and spending time with their family and friends.

Shirley was strong and tenacious, and endearingly stubborn. She was proud yet humble, and uncommonly generous and kind. She was funny and fun-loving, and brought smiles and laughter with her wherever she went. Shirley had the greatest capacity for unconditional love, which was shared with those who were fortunate enough to be part of her life. She is survived by her husband, Wayne, her sisters Dorothy and Valerie, her children Mike (Kelly), Kelly (Lesley), Tanya (Carson), and her grandchildren, all of whom will honour and remember her every day until they too, join her in peace.

Shirley's beautiful life will be celebrated and remembered this July 2023, in a private gathering in Kamloops, BC.