Obituary for Shirley Jean Beuker (English)
At 87 years of age, Shirley Jean Beuker (nee English) went into the presence of the Lord on February 15, 2021, on the birthday of her husband. The Beukers had been married for nearly 63 years. And what an excellent marriage they had. The parents of 5 beautiful girls, Gary and Shirley would do it all over again in a second if it were possible. It is somewhat surprising, however, that they even did get married. Two people from totally different geographical areas of the world, speaking two different languages, from two different cultures and against the strong advice of both sets of parents, were united in marriage at the Alliance Tabernacle on Osler Street in Regina Saskatchewan on July 5, 1958. And what “man” doubted, God blessed.
But, hey, this is about Shirley, not her husband, whom she referred to all her married life as “Beuker”. Shirley was born in Kindersley, SK on February 1, 1934. Her parents, Harold and Mildred English, lived on a rented piece of land near Pinkham, Saskatchewan. Their home was a converted granary and Shirley maintained that for the first few months of her life, she spent the nights in an apple box. Not exactly a picture of comfort and wealth.
But the English’s had an enviable ambition to become owner-farmers. Eventually they moved closer to Regina, SK. Shirley, who by then had a sister, Colleen (Grymaloski) and three brothers, Guy, Harley and Elmer, left the family to attend Balfour Tech Highschool in the Queen City, to graduate in 1952. It was not long after that she met this fellow “Beuker” who desired to attend a school of higher education. After high school, Shirley worked at the Bank of Commerce in Regina, later renamed the CIBC. She saved enough money to buy her dad a new car and help him to pay off some farm debt as well as look after brother Elmer while he went to high school.
After the wedding, Shirley sent “Beuker” off to University, while she actually received a Ph.T. degree certificate from the U. of S., which really means “Putting Hubby Through”. After that Shirley became a full-time mother to her 5 girls: Terry (Kevin Crawford), Cathy (Curtis Sloan), Constance (Grant Such), Nicole (Andrew Fisher) and Naomi, their special needs young lady. Eventually 8 grandchildren arrived, who now live all over North America. Then along came the great-grandchildren, some 7 ½ of them to date.
Endowed with a rich ability to give and love, Shirley was the center of attraction to her husband, kids and grandkids. Known simply as “Nanny” she became the trusted adviser to everyone. Her faith in the Lord Jesus allowed her to pray earnestly for many. If it were not for this Covid thing, there would be a crowd at her funeral to testify to her character and kindness. She certainly earned the love and respect from her husband and descendants. Rest in His Peace, Nanny B. It is simply amazing what a life surrendered to the Lord Jesus can accomplish. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Shirley, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
But, hey, this is about Shirley, not her husband, whom she referred to all her married life as “Beuker”. Shirley was born in Kindersley, SK on February 1, 1934. Her parents, Harold and Mildred English, lived on a rented piece of land near Pinkham, Saskatchewan. Their home was a converted granary and Shirley maintained that for the first few months of her life, she spent the nights in an apple box. Not exactly a picture of comfort and wealth.
But the English’s had an enviable ambition to become owner-farmers. Eventually they moved closer to Regina, SK. Shirley, who by then had a sister, Colleen (Grymaloski) and three brothers, Guy, Harley and Elmer, left the family to attend Balfour Tech Highschool in the Queen City, to graduate in 1952. It was not long after that she met this fellow “Beuker” who desired to attend a school of higher education. After high school, Shirley worked at the Bank of Commerce in Regina, later renamed the CIBC. She saved enough money to buy her dad a new car and help him to pay off some farm debt as well as look after brother Elmer while he went to high school.
After the wedding, Shirley sent “Beuker” off to University, while she actually received a Ph.T. degree certificate from the U. of S., which really means “Putting Hubby Through”. After that Shirley became a full-time mother to her 5 girls: Terry (Kevin Crawford), Cathy (Curtis Sloan), Constance (Grant Such), Nicole (Andrew Fisher) and Naomi, their special needs young lady. Eventually 8 grandchildren arrived, who now live all over North America. Then along came the great-grandchildren, some 7 ½ of them to date.
Endowed with a rich ability to give and love, Shirley was the center of attraction to her husband, kids and grandkids. Known simply as “Nanny” she became the trusted adviser to everyone. Her faith in the Lord Jesus allowed her to pray earnestly for many. If it were not for this Covid thing, there would be a crowd at her funeral to testify to her character and kindness. She certainly earned the love and respect from her husband and descendants. Rest in His Peace, Nanny B. It is simply amazing what a life surrendered to the Lord Jesus can accomplish. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Shirley, please visit www.choicememorial.com.