Margaret Shirley Ruszkowski (nee Wicker)
August 1, 1940 – June 9, 2014

Shirley Ruszkowski of Prince Albert SK passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her husband, and family on June 9, 2014. Shirley was born at the first Red Cross Hospital in Paddockwood, SK on August 1, 1940 to Wilda and Roy Wicker. Shirley was raised by her extended family on the Thorburn farm. Shirley is survived by her husband of 53 years, Teddy; her children; Betty Keddy (Darren), and their sons Layton and Hayden; Brenda Felske (Owen) and their children Karsten (Jennifer), Keltie, Korbin and Kassia; David and his children Courtney, Stacee (her son Bentlee), Logan and Kale, and their mother Ronda; Marjorie Brachmann (Danny) and their children Bowin, Danya and Delaney; Joey (Tina) and their children Hana and Kristopher; Melanie. Shirley is also survived by her sister Marlene Cromartie and family; Aunts Melba Acorn, Ruth Smith, Flora Thorburn; Uncle Jack Eaton; brother Robert Wicker. Shirley was predeceased by her sons James (1963) and Jamie (1967); her mother Wilda Wicker; Grandparents Clinton and Vera Thorburn; Step-father Wesley Acorn; Father Roy Wicker; Aunt’s Isabelle Merrell, Margaret Tully, Lois Frederick; Uncles, Robert, Keith and Jimmy Thorburn, Ralph Frederick; bother-in-law Harvey Cromartie. Shirley is survived by her husband’s family: Sisters-in-law Jean Abramyk, Margaret Majchrowski (Bert), Delphine, Carmen and Rita; Brothers-in-law: Eddy, Frank Jr. (Beatrice), Peter (Stephanie); and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her husband’s parents Frank Sr. and Maria; Brothers and sisters-in-law: George, Mary, Joe (Mary), Jack, Rose Salisbury (Bob), Anne, Dmytro Abramyk, Clarence, Tommy (Ruby). As a teenager, Shirley moved to Prince Albert to attend boarding school. Once finishing her studies, she worked at McLeod’s and then the Prince Albert Sanatorium. A chance meeting at a wedding changed her life forever. She met and married Teddy Ruszkowski on June 17th, 1961. They lead a fulfilling life together raising their family while making many memories. Mom will always be remembered as strong, patient, selfless and compassionate. She silently fought with grace and courage. Believing in Endless Hope. Mom finally succumbed to her many medical conditions resting in the arms of the ones she loved. She will be deeply and sadly missed. In lieu of other tributes, memoriam donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 54 – 11th Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 0Z9, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 – 3rd Avenue N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, PO Box 12013, Stn Brm, Toronto, ON M7Y 2L3. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kemp and Michelle Street from Prince Albert Home Care and all the countless healthcare professionals that cared for our Mother. Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2014 with Niece Diane Briere officiating. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2014 with Celebrant Reverent Father Tuan Doan. Both services will be held at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, 589 – 9 Street East, Prince Albert, SK. Interment will be held at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director (306-922-4729).