Obituary of Shirley Avanelle Manchulenko

Shirley Avanelle Manchulenko (nee Headrick) passed away peacefully on July 2nd at Red River Valley Lodge in Morris at the age of 89. Shirley is survived by children Michael, Craig and Shelley (Rick); grandchildren Charles (Nikki), Nicholas (Ashlee) and Michelle (Shannon); great grandchildren Keenan, Bowen and Faith; brother David Headrick of Crystal City; daughter-in-law Heather Manchulenko of Kelowna. Shirley will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, step family, cousins and friends. Shirley was predeceased by her parents Sinclair and Ethel, eldest son Bob in 2017 and husband Bill Manchulenko in 1993. Shirley was born February 16th, 1933 at Snowflake and raised on the family farm nurtured by loving parents and large extended family. She visited the farm and surrounding communities her entire life as it was very special to her. After high school she worked at teaching and banking. She met Bill in 1954, moved to Ontario, then returned in 1957 to settle in Morris. Shirley settled into homemaking and raising a family; she enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, canning, camping and entertaining family and friends. Mom was very capable and took control of running the home, managing finances, decorating and repairs and always made a comfortable home for her family. Mom was loving, protective and supportive of her children, no matter the situation (and we certainly gave her some challenges). Mom returned to outside work in 1978 and worked several jobs over the years and retired in her 60s to enjoy looking after her home and yard, helping to raise/support her grandchildren for several years and enjoying outings with friends to the casino, dining and of course daily coffee meetups. Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 and remained at home as long as possible with support of family and Homecare, moving into the Lodge in January 2022 where she lived comfortably until her passing. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Fraser, Homecare services and the wonderful staff at the Lodge who cared for Mom and the family so kindly during her residence. As per Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private internment will take place at Morris cemetery at a later date. Please just remember Shirley fondly.