In Loving Memory of

Shirley Aulta Wishart

of Edmonton, Alberta
Sep 19, 2024

1936-2024

It is with sadness and fond affection that we announce the passing of Shirley Aulta Wishart, a seeker of stories, a genealogist, poet, and lover of "all creatures great and small."

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved parents, Roy and Aulta Wishart; her brother, Vernon; and her sister-in-law, Patricia. She is survived by her brother, William (Bill); sister-in-law, Johanna; nephews, James, Mark (Barb), David (Debby), Ian, and Stephen (Claudine); nieces, Beth (Ian), Karen, and Sandy (Wayne); eight great-nieces and nephews; and three great-great-nieces and nephews.

Shirley was born a leap-year baby in Haynes, Alberta, and was raised in Carstairs. She became a medical records librarian and served communities in Alberta and British Columbia through her working years. A life-long learner, Shirley pursued continuing studies in Canadian history and creative writing and mastered the pen as a poet. She spent many a vacation crossing the Canadian prairies to research archival records and rebuild the Wishart family genealogical record, tracing our lineage to Scottish and Orcadian fur traders who married "Country Wives." Her efforts recovered our forgotten family and our connection to the land through our Cree, Ojibwe, and Metis forebearers. We are forever indebted to Shirley for giving us our family of old and honouring our ancestors.

Shirley passed away gently, with the rising of a glorious harvest moon, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Rita Iwasiuk, Abigail Wipf, and Shirley's caregivers at the Edmonton General for the compassionate care they provided her with over the years. They were a blessing.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. Paul's United Church, 11526-76 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 0K7.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the SPCA., or the Covenant Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home.