Shirley French

Shirley Helen Doreen French
December 15, 1929 - December 9, 2024

With very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Mum, Grannie, and Great Grannie, Shirley French, who left us peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the age of 94, with her family by her side.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, strength and selflessness that will forever be cherished by everyone who knew her. She fought some very difficult challenges these last years, and we will never forget how she "carried on" with such courage and strength. This spirit will continue to inspire us each and every day.

Born December 15, 1929 in Edmonton, Shirley was the first child of Helen and Ford Davidson. Her family mainly lived in the Peace River Country, until they travelled to Petawawa, Ontario to be near her Dad while he was in army training for World War II. Once he sailed off to England, Grannie, Mum and her brother Jim came back to Alberta where they waited for the war to be over, and for Grampa to come home.

After finishing high school, Mum pursued her passion for caring for others and graduated from the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 as a Registered Nurse. She worked as a Head Nurse and an Operating Room Nurse in Edmonton, Olds, Toronto, and Wetaskiwin.  It was in Wetaskiwin where she met the love of her life, Mac French, and they were married July 11, 1956.  Together they raised their children Doug and Donna, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before Dad's passing in 2017. Mum was very active in the community, being a life member of the Kinette Club, a member of the Anglican Church Women, and served on the Reynolds Alberta Museum Board for two terms. Shirley was on the Preventative Social Services Board, and also volunteered with the Wetaskiwin Archives helping to create the Siding 16 books. Mum was an avid book reader, she loved to ski, golf, curl, and did many crafts over the years, with quilting being one of her favorites.  Every summer, you would find Mum down on the beach at Ma-Me-O watching the sunsets with her camera in hand.  Mum loved playing bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs over the years, playing as much as she could, and as often as she could.  Shirley's most special passion in life was watching and hearing about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her family with all her heart.

Shirley is survived by her children, Doug (Susan), Donna (Bruce) Mikulecky; grandchildren Marli, and Jeff (Ella); and great-granddaughters Mia-Violet and Lenah Shirley, as well as relatives in Canada and England who will all carry her undying love, strength, courage and memory in their hearts forever.  

We have met some exceptionally kind and compassionate people during Mum's journey. We would like to thank all of the staff at Seasons who looked after and helped Mum with her daily needs. Thank you also to all of the nursing staff on Unit 33 who showed so much compassion, respect and dignity to Mum, with special thank you to Maria, Dr. Berry, and Dr. Lee. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Finally, thank you to the staff at the Canterbury Foundation in Edmonton.

In lieu of flowers and if you so choose, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or to a charity of your choice.

A service celebrating Shirley's life will take place at Baker Funeral Chapel in Wetaskiwin on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. This service will be livestream recorded and viewable below.

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