Shirley Pedersen

1951 - 2025

Undeniably loved and loving wife, mom, and grandma, Shirley Ann Pedersen of Taber, took her final breath at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the age of 74 years.

Shirley was born January 3, 1951 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Fred and Gwen Weiterman, ten minutes before her fraternal twin Sharon. Her family of six, which also included older brothers Ken and Ron, made their home in several places throughout Saskatchewan before eventually putting down roots in Lethbridge.

In March of 1969, a few months before graduating high school from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Shirley met Kenny Pedersen, the man she would marry later that same year on November 29.

Upon deciding to start a family of their own, Shirley and Ken welcomed a son, Martin, on June 3, 1972 and a daughter, Mindy, on August 30, 1974.

Dearly treasured and immeasurably cherished, Shirley was a person whose Evangelical Christian beliefs made her one to always put the care and feelings of others, whether family member or stranger, before herself. Along with that, her irresistible sense of humour, unending empathy and gregarious personality are traits commonly mentioned by anyone who encountered Shirley, as just a few of the innumerable reasons as to why she was so widely adored.

For her kids, Mom provided a safe place, was always approachable, and allowed them to express their opinions without fear of judgement, even if she did not necessarily agree with them. Further to that, Mom always welcomed her kids’ friends into their home as if they were kids of her own.

As Grandma, Shirley always went above and beyond for her grandkids, providing infinite love for all three of them.

Eldest granddaughter Lauren describes Grandma as: Vibrant (no matter what she had going on with her health or otherwise, she always had warmth to give to others); Fabulous (she was always well-dressed and fashionable… the original fashion icon in my life!); Resilient (she went through so much during her life… she lived through enough major life events for at least ten other people and still managed to be there for the people she loved); and Discerning (whenever I talked to her about something, Grandma was always there to offer a useful perspective or to just be someone to lean on… she had a brilliant head on her shoulders and always did as well as she could with giving me advice, even if she didn’t fully understand a situation).

Youngest granddaughter Addi describes Grandma as: One of the kindest and sweetest people in the world who I could always trust with my secrets. Grandma prayed with me, always reminding me of the importance of Heaven and Jesus. When sharing time together, both in person and over FaceTime, Grandma always came prepared with something fun for us to do, whether it was cooking, baking, crafting or just hanging out. But what made time spent together with Grandma the best was how she would ignore all of the grownup stuff and do kid things instead. Always giving her full attention to me as if I was the only person in the world (even if it was something she didn’t like to do, so long as I was into it, that was all Grandma needed to know in order to go all in, which showed me how much she truly cared). Not to mention all of the cuddles I shared with Grandma, which were some of my most favourite times ever. “Grandma always made me feel loved and special”.

Shirley is survived by her husband Ken, son Martin Pedersen of Calgary (his daughter Lauren), daughter Mindy (Geoff) McHardy of Ottawa (their daughter Addison), along with many beloved siblings-in-law, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

 She was predeceased by her grandson Connor, father Fred, mother Gwen, brothers Ken and Ron and sister Sharon.

Early next year, on what would’ve been her 75th birthday, a Celebration of Life for Shirley will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 A.M.

Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by clicking on the livestream link that will be available on this page at 10:45 A.M. on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Shirley’s name may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, 5205 - 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1S8 www.legion.ca.