BISHOP, Shirley
March 23, 1933 - Zelma, Saskatchewan
March 20, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta
Shirley Bishop, beloved wife of the late Gordon Bishop of Airdrie, AB, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the age of 88 years.
Shirley was born in Zelma, Saskatchewan on March 23, 1933. She moved to Calgary as a child, and then finally settling on the farm at Balzac. It was around these parts that Shirley met the love of her life, Gordon, and they were married on February 25, 1956.
Over the years Mum and Dad grew their family and farm. Mum was a farm girl at heart with a keen sense for livestock health and care, looking after cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, exotic birds, and miniature donkeys.
Mum had a passion for gardening, growing many beautiful flowers and a big garden. One summer she and Dad made over 30 pies with the apples from the tree in front of the house. Apple pie was one of her specialties.
Early years were filled with raising children and hard work. Milking cows, washing diapers, driving grain truck during harvest, and maintaining the yard and garden kept Mum very busy.
As kids, Mum and Dad showed us every day the value of hard work and respect for your family. We had such a happy, loving home.
Mum’s most valued treasure was family. Seldom a birthday or holiday passed that we weren’t all together. As her family grew, more folding tables and chairs were added. The little farmhouse was bursting at the seams. Lots of food, lots of games and cards, and lots of love filled our house. Mum’s sense of humor kept us on our toes. She was very witty and sometimes caught you off guard with her statements. The grandkids all have their favorite “Granny-ism”. Along with the humor and teasing, Mum always took interest in their lives and gave her full support.
Shirley is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Barry Wentz of Calgary, Cindy and Tom Beierle of Airdrie, and Cori and Darrin Carberry of St. Albert; two special daughters-in-law, Bev Wilson, and Inez Norman; twelve grandchildren, Josh Bishop, Tarrin Nault, Joby Bishop, Kevin Wentz, Chelsea Roy, Steven Beierle, Kayla Bathgate, Mike Beierle, Khysa Bishop, Matthew Carberry, Dillon Carberry, and Karri Carberry; thirteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, sister Peggy (Bill) Bauer and brother Kenny (Rita) Jones.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband Gordon, her daughter Dianne, her sons Stuart and Rodney, and her grandson Garth Bishop.
In living memory of Shirley Bishop, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.
