Shirley Anne Verwey (Wellman-Ferris)

Peacefully at the Portage District General Hospital, Shirley Verwey passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the age of 79 years.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her husband Donald, son Scott (Robyn), grandson Evan, daughter Shelley (Dan), granddaughters Faith, Shae-Lynn and Brooklyn, stepdaughter Dawn, grandson Curtis and granddaughter Anne, stepdaughter Jani, sister Sandra, sister-in-law Val, brother-in-law Garry; along with many cousins, nephews, nieces from the Ferris and Verwey families.  She was predeceased by her parents George and Louise Ferris, infant grandson Noah, brother Paul, brother-in-law Jim and sisters-in-law Del and Florence (George).

Shirley was the youngest daughter of George and Louise (Mumford) Ferris.  She was born on July 10, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario.  After receiving her education in Scarborough, Ontario, she worked as a secretary for various companies, later moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba.  There she raised her two children and worked at Zellers and at financial planning firms for a number of years.  Shirley and Donald bought their retirement acreage in Newton, Manitoba in 1994 and recently moving to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

From her first marriage, son Scott and daughter Shelley were born.  Upon her marriage to Donald she gained two stepdaughters, Dawn and Jani.

Some of her enjoyments in life included family gatherings, playing cards, gardening, camping and most of all dancing practically every weekend with her beloved husband Donald.  Shirley wasn’t much of a traveler but her and Donald did make a few trips down to warmer climates during the winter.

Visitation and Viewing will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11:00 am, led by Father Michael Savarimuthu.  Cremation will take place with interment at Hillside Cemetery at a later date.  The service will be recorded and can be viewed on Shirley’s obituary page once available.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to the Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12^th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com