Shirley Virginia Hoeflicher
May 20, 1935 – January 5, 2024
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Shirley Hoeflicher announces her passing on January 5, 2024. She was 88 years of age. Shirley was born May 20, 1935, in the Beresina District, Saskatchewan, north of Langenburg, SK. After two years of crop failure and low prices the family moved to the homestead south of Snowden, SK in 1937 with two children, Shirley and Waldie. Richard was born at the homestead shack in the fall of 1937. In later years, a larger log home was built on that land, where the family grew to seven. Shirley started school when she was seven, so that Waldie could walk with her through the bush to attend Justomere School, four miles south of the farm. Their primary language was German, but at school it was English only! There were many tears when they arrived home. The family then decided to speak English always at home to make the transition easier for the children. Shirley was her mother’s helper! She soon learned all the chores, cleaning, cooking, baking, canning, laundry, gardening, and milking. When she was older, she even worked for aunts, uncles, and older cousins. Shirley later became a nanny for the matron of the Smeaton Hospital, caring for two children. The children loved her, as though she was their mother.
When they started school, Shirley moved to Melfort, SK, and worked in the kitchen of the Melfort Union Hospital. Her closest friend, Frieda also worked with her. Their friendship grew in Melfort, being active in the Lutheran Church, especially the youth group, and attending Camp Lutherland. That camp is where she met her husband, Edward.
Shirley Long and Edward Hoeflicher were married on July 9, 1957, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Snowden, SK. They settled on Ed’s home farm, west of Middle Lake, SK, when his parents retired and moved to the town of Middle Lake. This home was where they raised their five children. Shirley’s life was full of gardening as well as helping with farm chores along side her husband and children. As a family they attended Faith Lutheran Church in Middle Lake, devotedly. When Shirley got her driver’s license, she was able to take the children to piano lessons, church, and school activities. She was active with the Ladies group, bake sales and cleaning the church.
Shirley’s parent-in-laws were in a small home in town, and she was able to help as they aged. They often, spent afternoons at the farm reminiscing, she drove them to appointments and anything else to meet their needs. After their passing, Shirley’s parents, moved to Birch Manor in Middle Lake. Shirley was there again, taking them to visit the farm where they could help her with gardening and meals. Ed and Shirley took them to all church events as well as visiting friends and family. In later years, Ed and Shirley retired off the farm and moved to a house in Middle Lake.
Due to health reasons, they then moved to Birch Manor - assisted living, and more health issued forced the couple to move to the Luther Home in Regina, SK, where their daughters were able to help with their medical needs. Shirley and Ed were blessed to be together in a home where their spiritual needs were also met. They loved and were grateful for the acceptance and love by all the people at the home. They continued to serve the Lord together, thanking the Lord for their daughter’s that took excellent care of them. Shirley’s family is so grateful and know the couple was blessed for the long life they shared together. After Ed’s passing in February, Shirley’s extended needs forced her to move to The Salvation Army William Booth Special Care Home. Shirley passed away peacefully, to be with her Lord and Savior and also to share unity with the love of her life, her husband Ed.
Shirley leaves to mourn her loving and caring: daughters, Grace (Gary) Long; and Norine Lesperance; sons, Roland (Jodie) Hoeflicher; and Mark (Elaine) Hoeflicher; six grandchildren, Reid; Joelle (Tristen); Josie; Mason; Rayanne; and Daylan; sisters, Marilyn Klatt; and Doreen (Alex) Dobrohoczki; brothers, Ron (Judy) Long; and Randy Long; sisters-in-law, Donna Long; and Doreen Long; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by: her parents, Jacob and Gertrude Long; husband, Edward Hoeflicher; daughter, Jean Hoeflicher; brothers, Waldie and Richard Long; niece Angela Schmidt; nephew Jason Long; and brother-in-law, Art Klatt.
The Funeral Worship Service was held at Faith Lutheran Church in Middle Lake, SK, at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Jakob Volsson, accompanied by organist, Sharon Carter. Pallbearers were: Daylan Hoeflicher, Roxanne Lee, Mason Hoeflicher, Michael Dobrohoczi, Connie Gatzke, and Reid Hoeflicher. Interment followed at Grace Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon, social gathering at the lower level of the Faith Lutheran Church, with a well written eulogy by Marilynn Klatt and Doreen Dobrohockzi shared. With Gratitude your memorial donations and support may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church (P.O. Box 179 Middle Lake, SK S0K 2X0, Phone (306) 367-2100).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)