October 27, 1933 – March 5, 2025
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Shirley Yvonne Still (nee Shand) at the Grace Hospital on March 5, 2025. Yvonne was a beloved mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Yvonne was born on October 27, 1933, and is survived by her three children, Paul (Joan) Still, Murray (Brenda) Still, and Lori Kearney and (Denys Duke), as well as six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and her younger brother Bruce Soulsby, as well as foster children that she mothered. She is also survived by her very special friend, Dale Phillips.
Yvonne was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Ernest W. (Ernie) Still, parents Private Joseph Howard Oig, Winifred Shand (nee Thomas). She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Jane Still and her brothers, Glen Shand and Garfield Soulsby. In addition, she was lovingly supported and cared for by her foster parents Rodney and Florence Spence who were an integral part of her life.
Yvonne dedicated her life to the care and nurture of her family and friends. She had a determined attitude and a positive mindset that underpinned her enthusiasm for all she did. Yvonne brought people together in both her personal and professional life. She was ahead of her time by being a professional career woman as well as a mother. Her life’s work was dedicated to the healing of those trapped in addictions as demonstrated by her work with Nechi Institute in Edmonton Alberta, Manitobans for Healing and Reconciliation, and the Stoney Medicine Lodge, which produced a documentary covering 25-years of the Lutselk’e Band in the Northwest Territories.
Yvonne has left a legacy of community service for her children and grandchildren. She will be loved and missed by all whom she has touched, her family, friends, and those in the greater community.
A memorial service will be held for Yvonne on Wednesday, March 12 at 10:30 AM; at St. Clements Anglican Church, #7 St. Clements Drive, Selkirk, MB. (When entering Selkirk turn right on St. Clements Drive (it is the road just before the 55+ Bldg.) when entering Selkirk).
Interment to follow at St. Clements Cemetery.
MOTHER
A flower’s petals droop and fall
When her allotted days are done:
The essence of beauty lives
After setting sun.
And the seeds she nurtured,
Wherever they be, are one
In kinship—each to other—
Blessed in the cherished love
Richly bestowed by Mother.
Written by Winifred N. Hulbert
Copyright from her book “down My Road”
Used by permission of her daughter, Rev. Lois #. (Kreager) Graham
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Yvonne’s memorial page using the comment field below.
When I taught at the Manitoba Home for Girls on Druty Street in the mid 60’s Yvonne was the chef for all the young ladies and the staff. Her cooking and presentation of her menus were always outstanding along with her lovely sense of humor .. I have very fond memories and I am truly sorry for the families loss She was a wonderful women. Gif bless you.
Brenda Yost (Foster)
Aunty Yvonne was a fun loving, adventurous Woman. When we were kids we got to go to many activities with her, we would not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. She held many family get togethers and knew the importance of family, spending time together, having fun and keeping in touch. She will be missed by us all. 🙏 Condolences to Paul and Joan; Murray and Brenda; Lori and Denys and families.
A great lady! I will miss her and her amazing sense of verbal timing. A great role model for the/any people!!
My condolences to Yvonne’s family & special friend Dale. Yvonne was a great lady and will be dearly missed. God bless you all.
Deepest sympathy to Yvonne’s family. From Mary Ellen Flynn and family.
Much love to Lori and Deny and to your family.
So very thankful you shared your beautiful mom with your Calgary friends…thankful to know Yvonne’s JOY and beautiful spirit.
I imagine her dancing in the stars… forever in our hearts. ❤️
Sincere condolences to Yvonne’s family, especially Lori and Murray, who I was fortunate enough to meet. Got to know Yvonne’s appreciation of humour, fun and adventure in life through the “Tim Horton’s Gang” at Ferry Rd. RIP.
Yvonne you will be missed by so many people you have touched. I have lost a dear friend but will always be in my thoughts. I will always remember that smile and your Laughter when telling a joke Condolences to your friend Dale and to the family
The story of two drums
Thank you Lori for sending me this photo of your mom – it reminds me of the time we shared at Shingwauk and as you have taught me – the ancestral paths that came before and generations who follow after.
I’ll start with the photo itself – the two drums we are holding were my gift, a way I could show gratitude to Yvonne for inviting me to Sault Ste. Marie and introducing me to her Shingwauk community. I was grateful for yet another opportunity to be her chauffeur and ‘Drive Miss Daisy’ to her various favourite spots in the Soo.
I had served as Yvonne’s driver before at Truth and Reconciliation events in Edmonton, road trips I’ll always cherish, as I got to witness first hand her tireless energy and pace that left me sometimes out of breath.
I had bought the two drums from an Indigenous vendor who told me that the way he crafted them they wouldn’t lose their tone, even in sweatlodge. Sold!
When I gave Yvonne her drum, which Lori you probably remember telling me a few weeks ago somehow made its way to you, I thought to myself at the time ‘nice, I’ve given a gift’
But I knew instantly from Yvonne’s look that no, it wasn’t that simple. Many times before I had seen that look, sometimes accompanied by a lightning fast correction, one that I knew I had better pay attention to. And, on cue, out came the instructions: She told me to seek out an elder to bless the drum, this was important. I promised it would be done…with absolutely no idea how I would go about making that happen.
When I returned to Thunder Bay to visit my nearly 100-year old grandmother and my cousin, things just fell into place. I assisted an elder with a tipi-raising, and my cousin somehow managed to find another elder to bless the drum. On a hilltop in Spirit Island beside the shores of Lake Superior in the town where I was born, I sat with my cousin as the elder danced tobacco on the drum. It was beautiful – a moment I will never forget – one of many experiences I never would’ve had if not for Yvonne.
Then, as if she herself was over my shoulder, tapping, to remind me of something m, the elder paused and said “I have some instructions for you…” She told me every morning and evening from that point on I would need to sound the drum. Plus, each solstice and equinox I would be required to feast the drum.
It’s at this point I want to recognize your children, Yvonne’s grandchildren – Dylan and Kaitlin – I was briefly your teacher and offer you my heartfelt condolences. I think about my own grandmothers and what they meant to me, especially with this particular memory.
I’ll fast forward to the last couple days when Lori, you gave me the news of your mom. I haven’t done it every day, but the last year I’ve been drumming a lot as it seems my prayer list keeps growing. I placed a big chunk of tobacco in the ground, giving back to Mother Earth, as instructed, and wished Yvonne a really nice car ride on her journey to the before, the after, and the beyond. And that she has a really great chauffeur.
From all of us, we send your family our love – stefan, Minoush the cat, Angela and Infinity ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Don and I are so saddened and sorry to hear of Yvonne’s passing. She was such an incredible woman and such a good friend to both of us. I’ll always remember the wonderful memories we shared with her when she was with us in the Sault; her work at the centre, a special Christmas at the church where services were held for native students when they were in residential school, and her affection for her dog, Marsha! I’ll never forget the time she came out to visit just after picking up Marsha from the groomer. Marsha jumped out of the car sporting bows in her hair and nails all filed and painted. At the time we had a cat who hated dogs and when I opened our back door for your mom and Marsha to come in for tea our cat shot out the door and chased Marsha around the house biting her back end. By the time they came back to the door and I could grab the cat Marsha had her bows falling out and tangled and her nails completely chipped. I felt so badly but your mom just laughed as she used to a lot and say Marsha shouldn’t have tried to barge into the house. We always wanted to go out west and see her and of course now we feel so sorry that this didn’t happen. Please accept our sincerest condolences to you and all of your family. We hope the memories of your mom will help to ease the pain of your loss. Please let us know if there will be a celebration of life for her, We send our love and hugs to you and hope you will continue to stay in contact with us. xxxoo
Paul Murray Lori and families
I remember your family coming to the farm
I remember staying with you in Selkirk when she took me on as a worker at that Center she ran near the General a hospital . It was a great program that gave me work experience. I was placed at a daycare and a drugstore…where I called your mom crying (lol) because they accused me of stealing and she came there right away and got that sorted out and they found out who actually did it.
I remember a fun few days with you guys in Edmonton when we went out for the night. We stopped for Chinese and she said hers was good but it’s not chicken lol
I remember taking the kids to the house on the lake and staying in the little cabin (the kids remember too), it was a great time.
I remember mom and I staying in Airdrie for a few days, I got lost and she came to guide us to your house lol. I remember meeting you and Yvonne for supper in Wpg during Covid. And I remember her big poodle, Marsha.
She was so cheerful with a positive attitude, I don’t think anything ever phased her…and that giggle, she was just the cutest.
…And my kids think I forget everything lol
Good Memories held close to the heart. Cherish yours 💞
Dianne Argue
Yvonne, you were my dearest soulmate during the last twelve years. We respectfully supported each other throughout all the trials and tribulations during that period. You enjoyed life and association with all people in a happy and friendly manner. I am happy to have been your social friend and will enjoy those memories forever. You were a grand and gracious woman. I will remember all the dancing and music we enjoyed together. I remember your singing the song “The Red River Valley” and dancing the Red River Jig. I enjoyed the visits to your traditional locations and learning about mother earth and spiritual world concept. In memory, you will always be in my heart. God bless your soul and may you rest in peace in God’s house forever.