Shirley Mae Boothman (née Wilson)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Mae Boothman (née Wilson), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, on Saturday, May 28th, 2016.  Shirley was born May 9th, 1927 on her parents’ farm just west of Crane Valley, SK.  She was 2 months premature at birth and weighed a mere one pound.  The attending doctor refused to move her to Moose Jaw as he felt she would not survive.  He gave her 15 hours to live.  That was 89 years ago.  She spent her growing up years on the farm, attending school and then in 1946 at the age of 19, she moved to Moose Jaw.  Shirley worked at Osborne Dry Cleaners and lived with a couple of girlfriends, one of which would end up becoming her sister-in-law.  Shirley met Brian Boothman soon after moving to Moose Jaw and they married in 1950.  She had several jobs over the years and also volunteered at the Providence Hospital as a ‘candy striper’.  She worked long term at the Capital Theatre on Main Street and out at the Golden West Drive-In.  One of her favourite jobs was working at the Army and Navy Department Store where she always enjoyed working with the public.  While there for 10 years, Shirley worked in many departments including menswear, ladies wear and shoes.  In 1975 a great opportunity came for her to work at STI in the cafeteria where again she delighted in working with the public.  She was employed there until her retirement in 1992 after 17 years of service.  From both the Army & Navy Department Store and STI/SIAST, Shirley made many life-long friends.  People she loved and cherished for the rest of her life.  From retirement until recently Shirley enjoyed traveling, driving her beloved Oldsmobile and being a big part of her family’s lives on many levels.  Besides family and friend get-togethers, a few of her favourite things were gambling trips south with friends and family, beautifying her yard no matter where she lived, collecting dolls and observing the beauty of a full moon.  The latter part of her days were highlighted with trips throughout Saskatchewan visiting every small town on the map, seeking their main streets to see what was there.  Shirley was known to fiercely protect everyone she loved like a mama bear.  A very independent woman, Shirley lived on her own this past 10 years in the Pioneer Village, occupying one of the cute cottages there.  Recently hospitalized, her health dramatically failed and she passed away after a very short stay at Extendicare.  She was predeceased by her parents, Bob (1953) and Hazel Wilson (1962); husband, Brian (1983); sister, Phyllis Pickard (2008); nieces, Beverley and Bonnie; much loved nephew, Bob; brothers-in-law: Cyril Pickard (Phyllis), Jack (Reeta), Jim (Lil), Larry, Ted (Lois) and Tom Boothman; sisters-in-law: Daisy Sherwood, Hazel Osborne, Ruby Peachy, Doreen MacDonald, Reeta Boothman, Lil Boothman, Wilda Boothman and Lois Boothman.  Shirley leaves to mourn: her daughter, Gail Fenwick and grandson Randy Fenwick; son, Kelly Boothman; sisters-in-law, Bernice and Donna Boothman and Jean Ritcey; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, a private family interment will take place.  A Celebration Tea in honour of Shirley will be held on Tuesday, June 7th, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Shirley was a huge advocate for our furry friends so in lieu of flowers, a donation in her name may be made to SCRAPS (Band City Stray Cat Rescue and Protection Society Inc.) 1254 Athabasca St W, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 6C6.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550