Shirley Anne Cockroft

Peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Portage District General Hospital, Shirley Ann Cockroft, of Portage la Prairie, passed away at the age of 85.

A funeral service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, Portage la Prairie, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by registering at the link below.

Shirley is survived by her sister Treva Brooks and numerous nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn her passing are her good friend Phyllis Richard, her roommates Debbie Norman, Debbie McDonald, and old friend Leslie Simard, as well as the many caring staff who lovingly supported her over the years, including several former staff who remained close to her heart.

She was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Treva Cockroft, her stepmother Effie Cockroft, her brothers George, Donald, and Terry Cockroft, her half‑sister Edna (Short) Fawcett, and her dear friends Gerald Choptiany, Joanne Bourbonnier, Linda Lennstrom, Deanna McRae, Paula Martin, Darlene Andrews, and Ruby peters.

Born on October 30, 1940, Shirley lived with her parents and siblings until the age of 13, when she and her brothers Donald and Terry moved to MDC. In 1973, she was relocated to Pelican Lake Training Centre due to overcrowding, while her brothers remained at MDC. When Pelican Lake closed in 2000, Shirley returned to community living in Winnipeg with the support of a small group that helped her and her friends transition into their own homes, an effort that led to the formation of Visions of Independence.

Shirley later moved to Portage la Prairie in 2003, hoping to reunite with her brothers. Sadly, Donald passed away but Terry joined her in 2004, and together, with the support of their favorite staff, Debbie Stuart and Amanda Joel, they fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting their sister Treva and brother‑in‑law Lloyd in Courtenay, British Columbia. Terry passed away in 2005. Shirley continued to reside in Portage la Prairie with various housemates and friends, forming lasting relationships and a strong sense of home.

Shirley will be remembered for her strong will, her ability to advocate for herself, and her love of music, camping, social gatherings, game shows, and outings—especially to her favorite place, McDonald’s. She enjoyed drives through the park, picnics, being pampered with her hair and nails done, and spending time with people she knew and loved. Christmas, second only to her birthday, was her favorite season. Stubborn yet affectionate, Shirley always did things on her own terms, teaching those around her the value of patience and reminding them that all good things come to those who wait.

SHIRLEY

Vision’s regal queen

Wispy white hair all done up to crown her.

Painted nails and perfume, all dolled up in pink.

Her blue eyes see little; she enjoys her pleasures-

Like parties and pampering, dining out and chocolate.

Enjoys her fuzzy sweaters and beads around her neck,

Relaxing to her music or flipping through a book.

Shirley, Vision’s regal queen

Sitting in her favorite chair

Trying to watch the world go by.

Painted nails and perfume, all dolled up in pink.

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