Shirley Ethel Archibald (nee Finnestad)
(July 16, 1927 – November 2, 2011)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of an amazing mother, devoted grandmother and cherished friend. Shirley Archibald passed away peacefully in her home at the Good Shepherd Villas, at the age of 84.

Shirley, born in Broderick, Saskatchewan, married Colonel Archibald in 1948. They farmed at Red Deer Hill until Colonel's death in 2001. She moved to Prince Albert in 2003 and enjoyed entertaining her family and friends in her new home until her recent move to the Good Shepherd Villas.

Mom was the hub of our family and a dedicated community member. She was a cherished mother and grandmother, always hosting large family gatherings and having grandchildren for sleep-overs. She was a talented seamstress, quilter, craftsperson and had an uncanny knack for using technology to its best advantage. Her magnetic personality, positive attitude and humble demeanor earned her many special friends.

Recognizing the need for 4-H opportunities for girls in the Red Deer Hill area, she founded the Red Deer Hill 4-H Homecraft club. She was a judge at the Prince Albert Exhibition, becoming a lifetime member of the Exhibition Board; was a member of the Prince Albert Quilter's Club, as well as the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed participating in the Pulmonary Exercise Group in Prince Albert.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Gail (Dale) McCoy of St. Albert, AB; sons David (Carol) Archibald and Charles (Selena) Archibald; daughter-in-law Michele Handstede of Prince Albert; sister Marilyn Dahl of Vancouver, BC; brothers Ed Finnestad (Lorraine) of St. Louis and Don (Donna) Finnestad; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; as well as many friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Colonel; her daughter, Lynne LaHaye; her parents Melfred and Bertha Finnestad; her sister, Betty (Bill) Hodgins; her brother, Harold (Betty) Finnestad.

Our family's sincere thanks go to Pat Chuey, Renai Chamberlain and all the wonderful staff and residents at the Good Shepherd Villas, as well as Dr. Oleksinski, for the extraordinary care and friendship extended to Mom.

A Private Family Graveyard Service was held on Monday, November 7, 2011. In lieu of other tributes, those wishing to honor her memory may do so by placing a donation in her name to the Canadian Lung Society or the charity of their choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, Drew Gray, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2011-11-02 06:00:00
• Location : Prince Albert, SK