Shirley MacLean

1941 - 2025

 Shirley Marlene MacLean, beloved wife of the late Clarence MacLean, passed away, surrounded by loved ones in Taber on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at the age of 84 years.

Shirley is survived by her sons Barry MacLean, David MacLean and Dale Maclean all of Taber; daughter Brenda Dickie of Lethbridge and daughter-in-law Shelley MacLean of Consort; grandchildren Kyle MacLean, Dietta (Jason) Kinkley, Devon (Terri) Harden, Beau (Susie) Harden, Stephanie (Omid) Rempel and Alan Woodman; great grandchildren Kaylie (Matt) Mantler, Colton Kinkley, Dakota (Kasmira) Harden, Dray Harden, Dylan Harden, Hailey Harden, Kimberlee Perry, Alyssa Perry, Sammy Khatami and Harper Woodman; great great grandchildren Aaliyah Kinkley, Ace Fox and Johnny Fox. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Beverly Huber, Valerie Linder and Bernice Moldovan; brother-in-law Allan MacLean and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father Peter Heck, sister Verna Lyst, husband Clarence MacLean, son Brian MacLean and granddaughter Tara Harden.

Shirley was born in Regina, Saskatchewan January 8, 1941 to Bertha Krause and Peter Heck. She married Clarence MacLean in Regina on March 7, 1959. In 1971, they moved to Taber where Shirley raised her family with love, strength and unwavering dedication. Clarence won the 6/49 lottery and with those winnings, he and Shirley bought their farm, where they raised and trained racehorses. Shirley was always busy on the farm, feeding animals, doing chores, and keeping everything running. One horse in particular, Shirl's Girl, was her pride and she went on to win many races. Shirley and her family would often reminisce about their time on the farm, and she often referred to it as the “funny farm,” because there was truly never a dull moment.

Shirley was a beacon of strength and resilience for her family. No matter the hardships she faced, she carried herself with grace and held her head high. Her children and family are what mattered most to her, and she always put them first. Shirley was the most amazing Granny to her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and gave them all very loving memories to hold on to, from rocking them to sleep and singing them nursery rhymes when they were little, to comforting them and holding them steady as they got older. Shirley had a gift of bringing everyone together. Every holiday she made sure the table was full, the food was plentiful and that no one left without a full belly and a smile on their face. Shirley was not the type to slow down or admit defeat and she held onto that spirit until her final days. Shirley will be immeasurably missed by her family, who will carry her love legacy in their hearts always.

“Until we meet again, we will look for you in the stars.”

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. Private burial to follow at Taber Memorial Garden. 

Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Shirley’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Monday, October 20, 2025. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.

The family would like to send a special and heartfelt thank you to the nurses at Taber Hospital, who Shirley referred to as her ‘angels’.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:25-28