Obituary of Shirley Ann Sliwa

Shirley Ann Sliwa 

February 16 1940 – October 6 2024

Shirley Ann Sliwa passed peacefully from this world on October 6, 2024 at the age of 84. Loving partner to the late Stanislaus Sliwa (1968), Shirley will be greatly missed by her children Stephen (Margaret), Sophie, and Joseph (Christine) and grandchildren Dana, Jason, Stephanie, Kaitlin, Charlotte and Timothy. Survived by her brothers John and James, Shirley also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Her many friends, neighbours, her Church family and the many who claimed her Gramma, Gma, Grammy, Nookomis, and Kookum will miss her kindness, her warm smile, ready hugs and willingness to share her time along with her sense of humour.

Born on February 16, 1940, Shirley witnessed the transition from a life lived mostly on the land (trapping, fishing, harvesting) to one of modernity. She dedicated her life to God and was strong in her Christian faith while remaining proud of her Anishinaabe heritage. A graduate of the National Native Bible College in Tyendinaga, Ontario, Shirley went on to obtain her Doctorate of Divinity from the School of Bible Theology Seminary and University San Jacinto, California. As Shirley went on to demonstrate each and every day how to live life well, she came to be recognized as an Elder by her community and by her First Nation - the Mississaugas of Scugog Island.

Having lived the majority of her life in Burleigh Falls, there was nothing more that Shirley loved than to spend time with people, learning about their lives, sharing her wisdom and experience while telling stories of the history of the old days.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Joshua and Frances Johnson, her brothers George and Joseph along with sisters Margaret, Ruth, Dorothy.

A Service of Celebration will be held at the Church on the Rock, 5 Church Lane, Burleigh Falls Ontario on Saturday, October 26 at 11:00 am. A Reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Interment Curve Lake First Nation Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre as expressions of sympathy and may be made by contacting Hendren Funeral Homes, Lakefield Chapel, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield Ontario at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.