SHIRLEY MARGARET GOULD (Dreger)
April 10th, 1933 – July 12th, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and profound love that the family of Shirley Gould (Dreger), aged 93 years, announces her peaceful passing on Sunday, July 12th, 2026. She was blessed with a truly wonderful life, full of love, adventure, and purpose.
Shirley was born on April 10th, 1933, and was raised in the small, close-knit rural community of Fairlight, Saskatchewan. Growing up in Fairlight instilled in her a deep appreciation for community, hard work, and built a strong connection with the church. From a young age, she also possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world and a belief that life was meant to be explored.
Shirley went on to become a brilliant teacher who dedicated her life to shaping young minds. Throughout her career, she was deeply loved by her students and respected by her peers. For Shirley, teaching was not just a profession; it was the core of who she was. She firmly believed there was a lesson to learn in everything, transforming ordinary moments into profound teaching opportunities for her students, her children, and her grandchildren.
In her first chapter of family life, Shirley built a beautiful home in Mortlach, Saskatchewan, with her first husband, Archie Dreger. Together, they raised three beautiful children, filling their home with love and laughter until his passing in 1983. Years later, Shirley was blessed to find love again. She shared a life of grand adventures with her second husband, Bill Gould, until his passing in 2021. Through this marriage, her world expanded, and she was blessed with a wonderful extended family whom she loved dearly and embraced as her very own.
Beyond the classroom and the home, Shirley was an avid traveler who loved experiencing new cultures and landscapes. Among her many adventures, her trip to Scotland was one of her absolute favourites. She often recounted stories of its rolling hills, rich history, and timeless beauty, carrying that spirit of adventure with her wherever she went.
Above all, Shirley was an exceptional mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the heart of the family, the keeper of our traditions, and our ultimate guide. She taught us to be curious, to love learning, and to view the world with open eyes and open hearts.
She was predeceased by her parents, Floyd and Bessie Sauter; first husband, Archie Dreger; second husband, Bill Gould; brother, Bill Sauter; son, Timothy Dreger; and granddaughter, Brandy Macleod. Shirley leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children and stepchildren: Nola Delaye, Garth Dreger (Sherri), Judy Culp (Brad), and Ron Gould (Barb); grandchildren: Ryan (Rachelle), Crystal (Darryl), Ashleigh (Al), Austin (Jackie), Leigha (Chris), Michelle (Lewis), Jeremy, Becky (Trevor), Steve (Robyn), and Mandy (Andrew); numerous great-grandchildren, the Gardener family, and Helen Molde; as well as a wide community of extended relatives, dear friends, and former students.
The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Pastor Marvin Seaborg will officiate and interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 1600, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8 www.alzheimer.ca. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Sincere condolences to all of “Mrs. Dreger’s” family. “Mrs. Dreger” was my grade 4 teacher and I LOVED her. She is exactly the person you described. Grade 4 was a transition year for me moving to a new school, and she was so unbelievably kind. She was the exact person a child imagines being when wanting to become a teacher. Cherish with fondness all of your memories.
Shirley was a great friend who will be very missed.She shared so much knowledge with so many.
Dear family Of Shirley Gould. Please except our deepest sympathy in the passing of your dear mom Shirley and our dear friend. When she moved to Alberta she broke my heart since I knew I would not be able to visit her again. She was in a better place though. We know she is home at last with her best friend Jesus For that we can be very thankful
Wonderful lady and a well-loved teacher – RIP and condolences to the families.
I met Shirley at crafts at the Lutheran Church and we became good friends, visited back and forth with her and Bill. She was a lovely person with lots of talent, and I missed her alot when she no longer attended the craft girls at the church.
Rest in peace, Shirley.
Margaret
Our condolences to the Dreger/Gould families on the loss of this great lady. Mortlach community and above all School, were so blessed to have
her for those many years. She was a tremendous teacher. and just such a genuinely nice person
Support;
To the Dreger/Gould families: Please accept my condolences on Shirley’s passing. I worked with Shirley on the staff of Mortlach School for twelve years. Her smile and sense of humour added so much to the culture of warmth and acceptance in the building every day. I am indeed sorry for your loss.
Nola, Garth and Families
I was saddened to hear of Aunt Shirley’s passing. Cherish the many memories and take comfort in knowing she is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley was my Grade 5 teacher. I remember her reading a story I had written and laughing out loud. I will never forget how fantastic that made me feel!! I enjoyed our quick visits at the Bentley and will always be grateful for her kindness to my parents. I truly hope that good memories comfort you all as you navigate your grief and start this next chapter of life without her. She will be missed and always remembered for her smile and love of life.
She taught me and my kids, lovely lady. My Sympathies to all Families. Sorry I could not attend yesterday.