Shirley Elaine Toews

Mom went to be with her Lord on February 28, 2023 at the age of 85 years.  She is survived by her three children; Milton (Joanne) Toews, Russell (Sandra) Toews, Cordelia (Gord) Unger; grandchildren; Charity (Dave), Desiree (Joe), Randi (Justin), Amanda (Evan), Joshua, Braxtyn (Eileen) & Delanna (Marshall); great grandchildren; Terrell, Gavin, Kenyon, Natalia & Ryder.

Mom is also survived by one brother, one sister, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Philip, parents Ed & Aganetha Braun, one brother and one sister.

Mom was born on March 13, 1937 in Altona to Ed & Aganetha Braun.  She was baptized on November 2, 1955 upon her confession of faith at the Altona Bergthaler Church. When she was younger, she enjoyed sledding and skating in the winter, and playing ball outside in the summer. Her love of music started at a young age, she began learning to play the piano at 11 years old. Her dad made a living buying and selling cars, and her future husband, Philip, was her dad’s hired hand.

On November 13, 1955 she married Philip Albert Toews, the love of her life.  After their marriage, Mom and Dad made their home in the village of Altona.  In October 1959 they built their new home and in September of 1960 they bought a trucking business.  Mom and Dad raised their family and worked on building up their business. Since the family business was seasonal they brought their family to Yuma, Arizona and for a few winters enrolled their children in the Yuma school. Everybody loved the warm weather. Mom and Dad continued this tradition well into their retirement for as long as their health allowed. The highlight of their summers were renting a cottage at Detroit Lakes on the August long weekends as well as many other camping trips in their trailer.

Once the kids left home in the 80’s and early 90’s Mom worked at CSP Foods as a cook. Her love of cooking continued to bring the family together for years to come. She enjoyed watching the kids in their activities, and for a few of those years she would bring the hot dog wagon and sell hot dogs and drinks at the motocross races. Some of Mom’s favorite pastimes were sewing, gardening, baking and canning. She spoke very fondly of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they of her. She took great joy in attending all their activities be it birthdays, concerts, recitals or sporting events.

A few years after Dad passed Mom moved into the Buffalo Apartments where we continued to enjoy family gatherings. A few of her staples included apple pie, pumpkin pie, smoked turkey and meatballs. Mom spent time quilting and playing cards with her friends. Her love of travelling included her family and friends and took her to Alaska, Niagara Falls, Michigan, Germany and Cranbrook.

A special thank you to Tina Heppner for her devoted friendship and willingness to offer a helping hand. And thank you to Bernie Friesen for frequently checking in at the apartment and keeping her witty!

God granted Mom’s wish to be re-united with Dad.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Haq and the staff at the Altona Memorial Health Centre for their care during her stay.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church with interment at the Altona Cemetery. Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home on Friday, March 3 from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

Donations in memory of Shirley Toews can be made to the Altona and District Palliative Care or to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

To view the funeral service click on the following video link,  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Z5AfDPWwo&t=842s