It is with a great sense of loss but with such wonderful memories that the family of Shirley Wolfe announce her passing on June 5th, 2024 after a short stay in Extendicare. She was surrounded by the love of her family and the care of exceptional staff. Shirley was so close to reaching her 97th birthday!
Shirley Laura Wolfe (nee Fletcher) was born on July 16, 1927 to Frank and Madeline Fletcher of Brant, Alberta. Shirley was the oldest of four children that were all raised on the Fletcher family mixed farm and dairy operation. She attended the Sharron country school near Brant, with the exception of grade twelve, completing it in Calgary.
Shirley’s childhood ambition was to become a nurse, but her plans changed when she met her beloved “Johnnie” John Wolfe. They were married in Vulcan on June 2, 1948 and built their home in 1950 where Shirley resided for the next 74 years.
Together John and Shirley assumed the family hardware business from his father. Shirley’s passion was for decorating and merchandising. Greeting and socializing with customers and friends also brought her so much joy. She continued to be active in the hardware store through her eighties.
Shirley always took an interest in her community and felt it was very important to support local events. She especially enjoyed golfing and curling. Shirley supported John in his many curling excursions across Canada, where they made many lifelong friends. Shirley was also a founding member of the Vulcan Figure Skating Club.
Shirley and John loved traveling. They adventured from New Zealand to Alaska, from China to the Amazon, and many places in between. Of all their travels, one of their favorites was sharing Fairmont Hot Springs with their children and grandchildren. Shirley’s family was the greatest love of her life.
Shirley is predeceased by her husband John Wolfe, twin infant sons Donald and David, daughter Deborah (Tim) Woods, her brother Doug Fletcher and brother-in-law Einar Sorley.
She is survived by sons Randy (Rachel), Ryan (Stacey), daughter Jan Laree, grandchildren Tyler, Karlyn (Cordick), Dane (Maddie), McKenzie (Stephen), Chandler (Chad), Landon (Jessica), Raegan (Ryan) and Kalen (Charlene), seven great grandchildren, brother Allan (Shirley), sister Fay, sister-in-law Iris, and many nieces and nephews.
A Private Family gathering and Inurnment in Shirley’s honor will be held at the Vulcan Cemetery.
If friends so desire tributes in Shirley’s memory may be made to Vulcan County Health and Wellness Foundation, Box 28, Vulcan, T0L 2B0, or directly to vchw.foundation@gmail.com.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Shirley. Others have mentioned her smile. It is true that just seeing it made you smile too! Shirley was always curious to chat with my three sons when they were little. They liked “the nice lady at the store” and I appreciated her caring to stop to visit with them. Shirley and Johnie were good friends with my parents, Pat and Shirley Walker. In fact, Shirley and my Mom shared a birthday. I will never forget the distressed look on Shirley’s face at Mom’s funeral. She truly cared about her friends. I think she cared about everyone she met. We are all lucky to have had a little bit of Shirley in our lives. She will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to all the Wolfe family at this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to all of the Wolfe family. I have such fond memories of Shirley; she always had a twinkle in her eye and was a very gracious lady. I always enjoyed our chats. Cherish all of your memories!
Our sincere condolences to the Wolfe families. Your Mom and Grandmother was one of the warmest and most genuine people I know. She was always smiling when she greeted you and interested in what was happening in your life. She was the love of her dear Johnnie’s life and I remember our parents having some great times together! Your Shirley and our Shirley (Walker) shared the same birthday. You are so lucky to have had her in your lives all these years and know that she treasured each and every one of you!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you,
Pam (Walker) and Len Briemon
To the Wolfe family
We are sorry for your loss and want to offer our condolences.
Ray and Pat Mulhall.
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family as you go through the loss of a wonderful mom & grandma! Shirley was a lovely lady & will be missed always. May many memories bring comfort to each one of you ….
Deepest sympathy to all the family. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
Frank and Agnes McInenly and family
My deepest sympathy to the Wolfe family. It was always a delight to see Shirley’s smiling face and gracious personality when entering the hardware. She will be missed by all that she has helped through out her life.
Dearest Cousins and family!
I am so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. She was such a beautiful girl, so full of life and love and lots of fun! I know that she will remain deeply embedded in each of your hearts, what a legacy of love to carry. Many blessings of love to all of you.
Love and Blessings
Jill
Shirley was always very much a lady. Full of kindness and love for her friends, family, and this Community. She was a fixture in this Town and will be very much missed. She was a perfect example of a “life well lived”.
Our condolences go out to her family.
Jim & Kelly Nobert
Randy, Jan Laree, Ryan and families,
I have such lovely thoughts of your Mother while growing up in Vulcan. She showed a particular kindness to me as a young girl and I have always remembered that. Shirley graciously welcomed people into the store over the years with her infectious smile. Your Mom and Dad were a true “power couple’ and team and have left the Vulcan Community far better with their involvement and presence. May your many lovely memories of a Grand Lady comfort you now and know that folks are thinking of you and remembering Shirley with much fondness.
Sincerely,
Lori (Dahl) McFadden
Wolfe family are in our hearts and prayers…..
We remember Shirley fondly and will never forget her beautiful smile and kindness.
xo
Burns family
To the entire Wolfe Family, My thoughts and hugs go out to all of you on the loss of Shirley. She always had that wonderful smile on her face and was truly caring whenever we happen to meet. A truly elegant lady who touched the lives of anyone she met. She will be missed and remembered.
Oh how we will miss our beloved Shirley! I have many fond memories of Shirley and growing up close by…her love of life, perseverance, boundless love, laughter, dedication to family, the twinkle in her eye and her genuine heart are just a few of the things we loved and will miss. We know she is basking in the reunions of those who have gone before. What a grand time that will be! Sending our deepest sympathies to all of you with love xo
My sincere sympathy goes out to all of The Wolfe Family on Shirley’s recent passing! Oddly enough, I thought of her at length last Saturday … the day of the Vulcan Parade! I remembered how dedicated she was to the store and her family … how friendly and welcoming she always was … and what a kind and lovely lady she was! I had no idea she had been failing, or that she was even in care! Shirley was a truly gracious lady who treated everyone with friendship and respect! She and John were such a team, and she will be missed by many in the community and beyond!
Deepest Sympathies to the Wolfe family. I have such fond memories of Shirley from the twinkle in her eyes, to the genuine interest she had when she greeted me, along with sharing her love of family and community when we visited. What a beautiful life that will leave such wonderful memories for family, and her community.
My heartfelt condolences to the many members of Shirley’s family .
Deepest condolences to the family, thinking of you all.
Bill and Sharon Schmeelke
We are sorry to hear of Shirleys passing. You must have many fond memories, she lived a full life.
Condolences to the entire Wolfe family. Shirley was wonderful lady.
Our deepest condolences to the Wolfe family in the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Dear Randy, Rachel and family,
Sorry to learn of Shirley’s passing. The obituary is a wonderful tribute to your mom, Randy.
Sincerely,
Theresa Henderson