Shirley Ann Lambert

Shirley Ann Lambert (nee Wice) of Bengough, Saskatchewan, passed away in her children’s loving arms at St. Paul’s Palliative Care on October 27th, 2024 at age 83. 

Shirley was born in Bengough, Saskatchewan, to Margaret and George Wice. Shirley enjoyed living with her mother and brother Ken on their Uncle Gladwin’s ranch after their beloved father passed away at a young age. Shirley valued education and loved to learn. She attended the University of Saskatchewan (she told her family a story of travelling by train to the U of S and being in awe) to study Home Economics with the desire to be a teacher. Shirley took a summer job at Kenosee Lake, Saskatchewan, in the summer of 1964 where she met Martin Lambert. Shirley told us she immediately fell for Martin because of his funny nature and amazing singing voice; they were married on December 19th of the same year. Shirley and Martin moved to Rose Valley, Saskatchewan, where they both became teachers and made it their forever home of 33 years. Shirley was immensely proud of her four children, their spouses and grandchildren Sterling (Shannon) Claire, Ellie; Valerie (Stefan) Liam, Aidan, Megan; Lorelei (Terry) Haley, Hannah, Ava; and Natalie (Jeff) Nick, Talia. Shirley is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 44 years, and her friend Judy who was more like a sister. 

Shirley had many hobbies including a supreme, unmatched baking skill (including a secret, coveted Christmas cake recipe); a lover of good grammar; sewing, tatting, crocheting, smocking and knitting; the weather network; scrap-booking; volunteering; visiting with friends; and a strong love of Hallmark movies (with many comments on which ones were good or bad so the good ones could be rewatched). Shirley was accepting, non-judgmental (with the exception of which Hallmark movie to watch or proper tires in winter) and a friend to all. She was kind, generous and loved a good joke. Throughout her later years she could carry on a conversation for hours whether you were still in the room or not. Family (and those she thought of as family) were everything to her and those who knew her will hold her presence in their hearts forever. 

Shirley would want all to take her advice: Leave no cherry square untasted, listen and sing to every hymn (even if you think your voice is not in tune), make time to pet every soft kitty, smell every yellow rose and always check the weather network before you leave home. Make sure you look at the beautiful Saskatchewan sunset and never, ever forget to tell your family and friends you love them. 

A Memorial Service will be held at McClure United Church, (4025 Taylor Street East, Saskatoon) on Saturday, November 2nd at 11:00 am. Shirley is now in the loving arms of her husband Martin. Shirley’s generosity to countless charities was admirable. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Hospital - Palliative Care Unit or to McClure United Church.

For anyone unable to attend Shirley's Memorial, a live stream of the service has been set up using the following link  https://www.youtube.com/live/7ggWV-xR5ME?si=1vKVMAHVO9Jy31iL