Shirley was born at the Outpost North of Somme and was the third daughter of Carl and Kristi Grefstad following her sisters Olga and Inga. Shirley went to the Souchez School, which was located along the Somme grid, from grades one to eight and finished her education at the high school in Somme. After school the sisters worked hard on the farm and remained the best of friends through the years.

Shirley married the love of her life Mike Surman in 1957. They resided in different locations depending on where Mike was stationed as a CN agent with Tisdale being their primary home. Shirley was blessed with two children, Carl (Darwin) and Barbara and she stayed at home to care for them.

Shirley and Mike had a wonderful cabin at Greenwater Lake and spent many summers working in their immaculate yard. The guest cabin was rarely empty as many of us spent a night or two enjoying their company and the lake. In Tisdale, Shirley always had a large garden that she tended to diligently. A weed could not be found in the garden just as a spec of dust could not be found in her home. The effort Shirley took in keeping things orderly could not go unnoticed. Everyone was welcome in their home and we can all still hear her say “hello hello” as you came in the door. Many intense games of cards were played over the years at Shirley’s table and one rarely left without a “half ‘n half” night cap. Shirley and Mike enjoyed watching curling and seldom missed a game.

Every now and then Shirley liked to try her hand at the casino and claimed she went for the good food. Shirley and Mike also attended many of the chuckwagon races over the years. They were regular spectators in the stands and Shirley was known for catching a few of the penalties the judges missed. Shirley enjoyed traveling and went on numerous vacations with her family but she was always glad to get back to her home in Tisdale.

The last couple of years Shirley appreciated her time spent at Caleb Village where many of their friends also now reside. Trips taken with Mike and Inga when Sharon would take them to the races or to music nights, or excursions to the casino with Shelley, were cherished memories for all.

Shirley’s grandchildren were a great source of pride in her life and she looked forward to their visits and updates of the events happening in their lives.
Terri Surman, Tim (Willa) Surman, Melissa (Justin) Noga and their children Blake & Cole, Pamela Kobelsky and her children Michael & Hailey, Amanda (Derek) Lepage and their children Nathan & Aurelia, Daniel (Alanna) Kobelsky and their child Audyn, Matthew Kobelsky; All of her grandchildren and great grandchildren held a very special place in Shirley’s heart.

When you closed your eyes and soared to the Heavens, I could hear the faint flutter of your wings as you left. Shirley may be gone from our sight but she will live forever in our hearts and memories.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Mike, her son Carl (Sharon), her daughter Barbara (Brian), her sister and best friend Inga, her grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who all remember her fondly.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents Kristi & Carl, her sister Olga and her brother in law Phil.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Jean Surman, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.