Obituary of Shirley Marguerite Willie

Mom’s prayers were finally answered on Friday, March 15th when she passed peacefully in her sleep with family by her side, just a little more than a month short of her 98th birthday.

Married in 1945 to Joseph Roy Willie, Mom and Dad raised their family and farmed near Vanscoy until they moved to take over her family’s farm on the southwest outskirts of Saskatoon.

Sometimes you don’t realize until later in life just how much your mother did for you. She was a hard worker in so many ways, supporting Dad on the farm in the absence of modern conveniences. She gave her best to her children, going above and beyond in raising them. I mean, who makes lunches for their university aged kid? Family was central to her life throughout all years, providing so many meals, hosting sleepovers, making quilts, and attending her grandchildren’s events whenever possible.

She was active in her community, especially later in life, with the Catholic Women’s League, Holiday Park Seniors, volunteering at the CWL Clothing Depot, and weekly bowling. Mom moved off the farm and into Trinity Manor in the summer of 2015 which was her home for the past 8 years.

She will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren: Gail Watt (Harold), Darcey Stoutjesdyk, Trevor and Tracy Watt; Diane Cote (Don), Sasha Johannson, Robin Taylor, Kelly Cote, Reagan Ogle, Josh Cote, Tricia Dery; Rick (Cindy), Travis Willie, Danielle Willie; Gregg Willie (Debbie Anderson), Kathleen and Jenna Willie, Clint and Kennedy Arnold and 24 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by husband Roy, her parents Robert and Helen Hodgson, brothers Arnold and Dave Hodgson and her daughter Sherri Willie. 

She is survived by her sister Evelyn Lubbers, sisters-in-law Joyce Hodgson, Lona Hodgson, and Freda Willie. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at St. Paul’s Hospital for taking such good care of Mom in her final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.

The Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. John Bosco Catholic Parish (1202 Ave. O South, Saskatoon).