Obituary
Due to Covid concerns, a small Family and Congregational Service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church
A celebration of Shirley’s life for the public will be held at a future date.
Thank you for respecting Shirley’s wishes.
Please use this link for Livestreaming of Family Service
2021-12-17 Shirley Pannell Funeral
Shirley Pannell (nee Fingarson) was born on July 26, 1932 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and was the only child of her parents Rich and June Fingarson. Shirley and her family lived in a variety of Saskatchewan communities including Alsask, Lanigan, Foam Lake, Swift Current and Saskatoon. Her rather nomadic life throughout her childhood contributed to her desire to create a deeply rooted home community for her family in Melfort.
Shirley contracted Polio during her nursing training. After a lengthy hospital stay, Shirley moved home to Melfort to live with her parents and to heal. Shirley’s rehabilitation was a slow and painful process. Through her incredible perseverance and resilience she learned to walk again. During the Covid pandemic a lot of these memories came to the surface and we learned about the challenges and tragedies that so many people, not just mom endured. Shirley returned to nursing school and was a proud Saskatoon City Hospital nursing grad, Class of 1954, who specialized in pediatric care.
She went on to nurse in the Pediatric wards at Saskatoon City Hospital and Melfort Union Hospital. At age 52 Shirley enrolled in the first online Registered Nursing recertification program. She was hired by Melfort Homecare and after a rewarding “2nd career” retired as a nursing manager. She loved her profession and was an extraordinary nurse.
Shirley married Raymond Pannell in 1958 and they had 5 children. Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. Her family was blessed by the joy she took in sharing in their lives and adventures. Shirley had a deep commitment to, and love for her community. Her participation and support continued in a variety of ways over the years and she will be greatly missed by so many. With the loving support of her friends, her congregation at All Saints Anglican Church and her neighbours, Shirley was able to remain in our family home until her passing. We are all so grateful for that wonderful opportunity for mom.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents and her husband Ray. She is survived by her children:
Rick and Carol Pannell
Tammy and Roger Pannell Haugen • Alysha (Niko)
Deb and Scott Thon
Mike and Sandy Pannell
Heather and Todd Hall
Shirley lived her life fully with grace, joy and hope……she will be missed more than words can say and her courage and strength are an inspiration to all those who were blessed to be in her life.
Donations in honour of Shirley’s life can be made as follows:
Stephen Lewis Foundation
Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign
Ronald McDonald House
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To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Shirley June Pannell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Melfort Funeral Home
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