Shirley Dianne Elizabeth (Nelson) Larsen On Saturday, April 14, 2018 our mother, wife, grandmother and great- grandmother Shirley Dianne Elizabeth Larsen passed away peacefully at the La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ontario with loved ones by her side. Shirley was 72. We are saddened by her passing but find comfort in knowing she has gone to her heavenly home to be reunited with her Heavenly Father, parents, family members and dear friends. Shirley was born May 6, 1945, in Rainy River Ontario, the oldest daughter of Floyd and Lillian Nelson. Shirley attended McCrosson-Tovell school. For her first job Shirley worked at Hank and Dab’s tourist camp. Leonard and Shirley were married in Fort Frances on May 19, 1963. For many years Shirley stayed home to take care of her children. Her home was often a gathering place for the children of the community. When the time came for her to work outside of the home, she took a position as a Red Cross Homemaker. Shirley’s compassion resonated with the clients she took care of and she treasured their friendships. Shirley was a strong community member who served for more than 20 years on the Bergland Recreation Board. Shirley and her mother, Lillian, spent many hours cleaning and caring for the Bergland Hall. They were very well known in the community for their catering skills and loved to share their cooking talents with family and friends. Shirley was also on the planning committee for the Bergland Homecoming reunions. She was an instrumental member of the “Water Under the Bridge” history book committee. She was wealth of knowledge about our family history and the history of the area. Shirley had a love of her Savior, Jesus Christ and had a strong testimony of the power of prayer. She was a testament to the many miracles she received over the years. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in many positions including Relief Society President and Relief Society Secretary. Even though her health was declining over the past couple of years she would always do what she could to help others in need. She had a big heart and took the time to listen. Shirley found peace and comfort in doing Family History work. She continued to work on Family History even while she was in the hospital. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. Even in the hours before her passing she was making jokes and laughing. Shirley loved music and could often be seen tapping her toes as she sang along to the music Leonard played. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Lillian and Floyd Nelson; her brothers Dennis and Stanley Nelson; her sisters-in-law Dodie Nelson, Jean Lofstrom and Kathy Nelson; brother-in-law Hugh Ferguson, and son-in-law Thomas Berry. Shirley leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Leonard Larsen, sons Richard (Dan’ette) Nelson of Edmonton, Alberta and Donald Larsen of Bergland, ON; daughters Dianne (Troy) Perry of Sugar City, Idaho, Arlene Berry of Spruce Grove Alberta, and Evelyn Larsen of Kenora, ON. Shirley’s six grandchildren were her crowning jewels: Amanda Berry, Matthew (Hilary) Berry, Bryce (Rachel) Perry, Brian (Tarry) Perry, Brandon Perry and Dakota Nelson and six great-grandchildren Ethan, Bentley, and Blake Berry, Austin, Anthony and Cora Perry. She is also survived by her brothers Roger Nelson, Jerry Nelson, Allan (Paulette) Nelson and sister Judy Ferguson. Shirley also has numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved and adored. Shirley had many family friends whom she loved like her own including Kevin and Kathryn Abbott and Monica Vellieux. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 20th, 2018 at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bergland, Ontario. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and one hour prior to funeral services. The family would like to thank Tammy Armstrong from the Community Care Access Centre and the nurses and doctors at La Verendrye hospital for the great care they provided. A special thank you to Melissa Vellieux for her love, support and encouragement in caring for our mom. Her countless hours and sacrifices helped lift our mother’s spirit. Shirley was a humble, strong woman who loved the Lord and everyone she came in contact with. They say you may not always remember what people say, but you will always remember how they made you feel. Shirley always made you feel cared for, welcomed, and most importantly loved. We will miss your sweet smile. You will always be with us until till we meet again. Families are forever! Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home