Neal, Shirly Ann
Shirly Ann Neal
Shirly Ann Neal (née: Gosselin) passed away on Monday, September 21st, 2026, in the arms of the man she loved Mike Leason.
Shirly is also survived by her daughters: Shelley, Wendy (Travis), and Tanya (Said); grandchildren: Jordyn (Brent), Kenzii (Brayden), Tristan (Kali), Jameel (Katie), Denon (Jess), Dylan (Caleb), and Samyra; and great-grandchildren: William, Quinn, Atticus, Oliver, and Sawyer, as well as 2 on their way.
Shirly was a character — a wonderfully wacky woman who was never afraid to share exactly what she thought, whether one asked for her opinion or not. She was hilariously blunt, steadfastly stubborn, and always loud. She grew up the third youngest of 11 brothers and sisters mostly in Regina, SK, in a big ole French family, which probably explains the volume at which she spoke.
Needing to find her own niche in life, Shirly convinced her father it was a good idea to send her to the convent in Gravelbourg, SK for high school. She loved her experience there as it gave her the opportunity to be further immersed in the French culture she grew up in and adored. Even though her first career out of high school was a teacher, she spent most of her career as a Social Worker which gave her the opportunity to help and care for people, which she did even in her retirement years through volunteer work.
Shirly was the beloved matriarch of our family, a woman who always sacrificed all for her children, often to the detriment of her own well being. She was one tenacious lady who held firmly to her beliefs and opinions and wasn’t afraid to stand by them. Loudly – Lol. She was deeply loved and held a special place of respect in all of our hearts. Lovingly known as Mémé to her grandchildren, she created a legacy that was bigger than herself: a family rooted in love, laughter, and a whole lot of adventures. There certainly were no dull moments when Mémé was in the crowd. Guaranteed.
She could also take a good joke just as well as she could dish one out, and there was never a shortage of material. There are stories about Shirly that will be told for generations simply because … well, they could only have happened to Shirly. Honestly, there are far too many stories about Mémé to fit into one obituary. From her remarkable ability to get lost wherever she tried to go, to the always interesting birthday calls with original Shirly-esque lyrics, to the family classic when she hung one of her grandkids out a window by their ankles to retrieve a hammer from the roof which somehow seemed like a perfectly reasonable solution to her.
Our Mémé will be so greatly missed by her entire family, but we take incredible comfort in knowing she is now with her Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit”
Psalm 34:18
A Private Family service will be held to honour Shirly. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550
I have fond Regina memories of Aunt Shirly. She brought me to my 1st hair dresser experience. She also used to take me to church sometimes. I remember so clearly how she picked me up and stood me on the bench so I could see everything. I was never allowed to do this with mom & dad. She used to come to our house and sit in a big easy chair and we had a routine where I would go behind the chair and I would guide her hand into my penny candy bag so we could share candy and not be seen. Also she let me come to her house to pick out a stuffed animal because she was going to university and had to find homes for them. That poodle I picked out stayed on my bed for many years.
I will miss you Aunt Shirly
Rest in Peace
Love Claudette ❤️
I was your Mom’s account manager for years and years! We spent most of our appointments visiting and having fun but did get to banking eventually. I admired her, always dressed so sharp and her wit and positivity always made my day.so happy to have had the opportunity to know and spend time with her.
For Shirly’s daughters and families. I worked with your Mom at SS and always enjoyed a one on one conversation with her. It is clear to see your Mom will be missed by all of you and those that knew her. Thinking of you at this time as you remember all of the great stories and the love your Mom shared.
Tanya and family ,sorry to hear of your mom’s passing . Condolences to the whole family .