SHIRLEY DURAND, beloved wife of the late Adrian Durand, passed away in Lethbridge on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the age of 84 years.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Linda (Rod) Jones; sons Glen (Crystal) Durand, Dale (Susan) Durand, and Jason (Jessica) Durand; grandchildren Samuel Jones, Raine Jones, Michaela (Clayton) Holt, Brendan (Reagan) Durand, Tanner Durand, Janay Hein, Blaine Laughlin (mom - Colleen), Melissa Durand, Zachary Durand, and Riley Durand; five great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; sister Doreen (Gene) Waskiewich; sisters-in-law Cathy (Bill) Dacyshyn, Laurie Luciani, Rose (Pat) Matsuoka; and numerous relatives and friends.
Shirley was the youngest daughter of Bob and Frieda Buller. She was born in Hanna, AB on March 14, 1939. She grew up in Hanna and married the love of her life for over 50 years of marriage, Adrian Durand. Shortly after their marriage, they purchased a family farm near Bashaw, AB and started their family. In 1978, they sold their farm and purchased a much larger mixed farm in the Spondin community north east of Hanna.
Shirley worked tirelessly alongside Adrian to make a memorable life on the farm, from putting three meals a day on the table to taking dinners out to the field, helping with all the livestock and especially taking care of her chickens. She will always be remembered for her collection of ornamental chickens in every color and design in her home and on her doorstep.
In 1985, the farm was sold and Adrian and Shirley started a very successful feed and farm supply store in Hanna known as A&S Feeds. They eventually sold out and spent three years delivering mail on a rural route in Hanna before retiring and moving to Coaldale, followed by Barnwell. After Adrian's passing in January of 2012, Shirley moved to Lethbridge to be closer to Linda until her passing.
Shirley had many hobbies over the years such as embroidery, sewing quilts and pillows, crocheting, knitting, coloring, reading, and gardening.
She enjoyed travelling to various destinations over the years, including a few winters in the southern states, especially the Arizona area, with a trip to Australia being one of the most memorable.
Shirley enjoyed camping, going to community events, dances, potlucks, ball tournaments, bonspiels, and numerous parties with friends and neighbors. You could count on her to be the number one fan and cheerleader at the games.
Shirley was active in the church for many years, she volunteered for various functions and was a loyal member of the CWL.
Shirley's most cherished accomplishment was being a loving wife and mother. She was a very patient, kind, hardworking soul with a great sense of humor. When her life was hard, she never complained. As she would often say "Well that's just how it is."
Mom, you have endured so much. We are sure gonna miss you until we meet again, but "that's just how it is."
Shirley's life will be celebrated with a private family gathering at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of one's choice.
Bev Wiebe, March 18, 2023