Shirleen Grace Henry (nee Hawker)

Shirleen Grace Henry, age 88, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Shirleen was born on February 9, 1937, in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The beloved daughter of Ed and Myrtle Hawker, she was raised on the family farm just outside of Oakville. It was there she learned the value of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. Before marriage and motherhood, Shirleen worked at music stores in Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie. Music played an important role in her early life, and she especially enjoyed playing and teaching the accordion. She also loved to jive, and it was a pleasure to see her light up a dance floor.

On April 11, 1959, Shirleen married the love of her life, Lawrence (Lorne) Henry. Following their wedding, they settled in Portage la Prairie, where they shared 60 years together. In October of 1960, they welcomed their first son, Dale. Patti was born two years later, and Doug followed in 1969. Shirleen was a devoted mother, often found watching one of the boys’ hockey games, helping with homework or studying, and keeping the house smelling of hot meals and fresh baked cookies. Along with managing the household, Shirleen was also a devoted farm wife. For many decades she delivered home-cooked meals to the fields, handled payroll and eventually, bookkeeping.

Once their children were grown, Shirleen and Lorne began traveling south in the winters to enjoy some sunshine and warmth. They frequented destinations such as Hawaii, Arizona and California where they often vacationed with Lorne’s brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Mary Henry, of Powell River, BC. They were also avid golfers, and when they weren’t walking the path along Crescent Lake, they were enjoying the view of the lake from their windows.

In 1989, Shirleen became a grandmother for the first time. Over the next twelve years, five more grandchildren were added to the family. She adored and doted on each of them. Grammy and Grandpa spent countless hours babysitting, attending sporting events and activities, and supported them in every way they could. She was a safe, loving, and steady presence in their lives, and they all knew sleepovers meant getting her infamous pancakes for breakfast in the morning!

Although dementia presented challenges in her later years, it never diminished the love she felt for her family. She took much joy in being a great-grandmother four times over, with the youngest born just one week before she passed. Shirleen got to meet and hold five-day-old Eleonora, and the joy radiating from her while holding this precious new great-granddaughter was a moment her family will forever cherish.

Shirleen was truly impossible not to like. She was full of warmth and joy, and had a wonderful sense of humour. Despite whatever may have been happening in her life, she remained upbeat, happy, and positive right to the very end. She rarely spoke a bad word about anyone and never complained, regardless of her circumstances. She always had a twinkle in her eye, and was a real gift to her friends and family.

Shirleen was predeceased by her loving husband Lorne Henry; parents Ed and Myrtle Hawker; sister Edna Bendera; brother Fred Hawker; sister-in-law Lois Hawker; brothers-in-law Doug Henry and Jack Henry; and several other close family members.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son Dale Henry (Teresa), grandchildren Ryan and Sarah; daughter Patti Case (Brian), grandchild Kayla Shewfelt (Brian), great-grandchildren Felix and Bridget, grandchild Kyle (Blessing), great-grandchildren Kendrick and Eleonora; youngest son Doug Henry (Gwynne), grandchildren Nick (Kaleigh), and Jordan. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. “Grammy” will also be deeply missed by her beloved grand-pups, Charley, Blue, Ziggy, and Remy, who adored her just as much as she adored them.

Shirleen’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Douglas Campbell Lodge. The staff showed incredible compassion and care, creating an enjoyable and safe environment for her to live out her final years.

A Celebration of Life for Shirleen will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

For those wishing to make a donation in her memory, please consider the KoKo Platz Rec Club, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society, or another charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.