It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother Shirley Davidson after a short battle with cancer on September 30, 2025, with her family by her side.

Shirley Marie Ethier was the fourth child of eight, born to Victor and Edna Ethier, in Bowsman, Manitoba on November 26, 1939. At an early age, Shirley moved to Saskatchewan where she went to work for the Soulier family, providing childcare and other duties for them. The Soulier farm was located south of Kinistino, and it was at that time that she met her nearby neighbor, William (Willie) Davidson. After a short courtship, Willie and Shirley were married on December 15, 1955, where they then resided and farmed on the original Davidson homestead. From the union, was born Marilyn in 1956, Brian in 1958, and Allan in 1967. Shirley was very much part of the farming operation, and she could be found driving the grain truck every harvest.

In 1981, the family relocated to a farm south of Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, where they farmed until 1997, at which time they moved into their home in Shellbrook. In addition to working on the farm, Shirley also provided full time childcare for neighbours at both Kinistino and Shellbrook.

Willie and Shirley made a good team, and you would seldom see one without the other. In December of this year, they would’ve reached their 70th wedding anniversary. Willie and Shirley always enjoyed dancing, and after they moved to Shellbrook, they regularly attended jam sessions in Canwood, where they enjoyed nice meals with friends, as well as singing and dancing.

Shirley was always a hard worker. She kept an immaculate house and always grew a large garden which provided nutritious food for her family all winter long. She loved to bake and cook and at a moment’s notice, Shirley could always put on the most delicious meal for anyone that entered the door.

Shirley lived for her family, and her greatest joy was having everyone gather together during the special occasions and holidays. Shirley’s family and friends were very important to her and throughout the years, she made a point to maintain regular contact with them.

Shirley will be dearly missed as she leaves to mourn her passing: her husband Willie; daughter Marilyn (Louis); son Brian (Gale); son Allan (Joan); grandchildren David (Tannis), Jennifer, Amanda, Elizabeth, and Kelsey (Dominik); as well as her great grandchildren Cameron, David, Phoebe, William, and Sophia. In addition, she will be missed by her two brothers Leonard and Raymond; sisters-in-law, Carol and Janet (Len); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and her many friends from the communities of Kinistino and Shellbrook.

The family would like to thank the Homecare staff, and staff of Melfort, and Shellbrook hospitals for providing such wonderful care for Mom. It was greatly appreciated.

At Shirley’s request, there will be no funeral and her remains will be interred at the Kinistino cemetery.

In lieu of tributes, donations may be made in memory of Shirley to Cystic Fibrosis Canada (20 Eglinton Ave West, Suite 1305 Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1K8).

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.

• Date : 2025-09-30
• Location : Shellbrook, SK