Obituary of Alice Orlesta Shurvell

SHURVELL: Alice Orlesta (née Wood) passed away peacefully at Fairview Personal Care Home, with family by her side, on Thursday August 13, 2020 at the age of 89 years. Alice was pre-deceased by her husband Lloyd; her parents Nathan and Amy Wood; brothers Robert and Art, sisters-in-law Theresa and Beatrice; sisters Helen and Edith; brothers-in-law Gus and Henry and two sisters in infancy. Left to mourn her passing are her children: Sandra Denbow (Doug); Pamela Tai (Corey); Herb Shurvell (Wendi); Marilyn Storey; Garth Shurvell (Kelly) and Lloyd Shurvell (Kim); 21 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Alice was born in Rainy River District, Ontario on March 18, 1931. She graduated in 1947 from Fort Frances High School and went to work at the Fort Frances Times and then at Ontario Hydro. Alice transferred to the Kenora Hydro office in 1952 where she met and married Lloyd Shurvell. They moved to Wisconsin for a short while and later returned to Fort Frances for two years. Two daughters were born in Fort Frances. In 1955, the family moved to Manitoba where Alice had a son and another daughter. Another move in 1958 took the family to British Columbia and two more sons were born. Manitoba became home again in 1965 and the family resided in Souris for two years before moving and settling for good in Brandon. Alice took a refresher course in bookkeeping and was employed at Revelstoke Lumber for two years before taking a position at Great West Life where she continued her career from 1971 to December 1992 when she retired. Alice loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also loved crocheting, knitting, quilting, cooking, reading, gardening and spending time with family. Watching soap operas, curling and game shows with Alice will be treasured memories for many. Also looking for objects and animals in the clouds was a favourite thing to do when spending time with her. Many thanks to the first floor staff at Fairview Personal Care Home who treated Alice with dignity and respect. As per Alice's request, there will be no funeral service held. A private family graveside service will be held to celebrate Alice's life.