It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Shirley Rogowski, on August 26, 2024. She passed peacefully in her sleep after a short illness but remained active and alert all her 91 years. Shirley loved her family dearly and was happiest when creating memories with them. Weekly family dinners were incredibly special to her, and we are grateful to have shared so many over the years.
Shirley was born April 14, 1933, in Fort William and was the youngest of 4 siblings. She moved into her family home on Ernestine Ave when she was 7 years old and lived there until moving to Sister Leila Greco two years ago. She attended Heath Park school, Isabella School and Fort William Collegiate. There were so many times we would run into people that she went to school with, and she would remember their names. She loved playing sports and played basketball with FWCI and the East End Girls team. Her later years consisted of curling in the winter and golfing with the girls in the summer. She was proud to be named a Lifetime Member of the Chapples Ladies Club. Shirley was a long-time member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and a member of the St. Aiden’s Guild.
After high school, Shirley worked as a laboratory technician at the old City Hall and the MOH. There she met many friends and continued to stay connected with them.
Shirley was happily married to Ray for almost 60 years before his passing. They met at a dance at Chippewa Park, married and together raised their 3 children. Yearly holidays and camping trips were always a highlight. They spent many weekends either at a rink or a baseball field and fully supported their children in all their sporting activities. They continued the tradition for their grandchildren and were always there to cheer them on. Nana and Poppa were their biggest fans.
Shirley’s passing will be felt by many. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann, her son Gary (Terrie), grandchildren Kati (David), Julia, Riley (Greg) and Samantha (Breandan) and her great-grandsons Benjamin and Theo. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Karen (Ron) and her daughters Stacey and Amanda and their families. Many nieces and nephews will miss her dearly.
She was predeceased by her parents William and Mary Ann Green, her husband Raymond, son Bob Rogowski, son-in-law Bill Tuomi and all her siblings.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sister Leila Greco for their kind and compassionate care, especially over the last few months. She was so happy to be there and enjoyed the company of all the friends that she had met.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 5th at 3:00pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Brodie St., Thunder Bay, Ontario. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church renovation fund or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
