Shirley A. (Masko) Lowe

It is with great sadness that the family of Mrs. Shirley Lowe, beloved wife of the late Wayne Lowe, of Preeceville and formerly of the Hinchliffe District, announce her passing on Friday, Septemeber 27, with family by her side. She was 82 years of age.

Shirley Ann Masko was born on June 27th, 1942, to parents, Alex and Doris (Yarowski) in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She was the first born of five children. Shortly after her birth, her parents moved to the farm in the Brookview District. Like most people of that time, money was short, work was hard, but you worked together and family always came first.

At the age of 16, Shirley’s father passed away from an accident leaving a young family behind. Shortly after, Shirley ventured on to Vancouver, BC, to live with some relatives. She worked at a factory, so she could send some money back home to help out. A few years later, she returned to the area and shortly after, began a relationship with Wayne Lowe of Hinchcliffe. They were married on October 25th that year. They lived a full and happy life on the farm at Hinchliffe for 45 years, raising their three children, Eileen, Harvey and Doreen.

Life on the mixed farm operation was busy and, like any farm wife of her generation, Shirley worked hard in the garden, on the fields and with the livestock. She and Wayne operated a dairy farm for over 20 years between the 1960s and 1980s. The dairy was primarily Shirley’s responsibility, and she would be out in the barn early every morning and every evening-feeding and milking the Holstiens and then tending to the milk that needed to be shipped. She was no stranger to hard work and she would get done what had to be done! She was a natural in the kitchen and would often whip up any delicious feast for family, friends, hired hands and anyone else who may stop by.

In 2008, the farm was sold and Wayne passed away due to health issues. Shirley moved off the farm and purchased a home in Preeceville. She took pride fixing up her home and tending to her flower beds and garden. After a cancer diagnoses affected her health and mobility, Shirley moved into the Preeceville Nursing home in June of 2022 until her passing on September 27th, 2024.

Wayne and Shirley were passionate volunteers in the growth and development of Lady Lake Regional Park. She spent most of her married life as a volunteer at the Sunshine Ladies Circle. She helped cook at many weddings and was always willing to help when needed.  After Wayne passed, she became re-acquainted with her church family at the St James Anglican Church in Endeavor. They welcomed her with open arms, and she took time to focus on her relationship with The Lord, strengthening her faith. She was a huge help at church events, funeral lunches and most importantly the Church Mouse Sale, which she looked forward to every year. She also volunteered at the Preeceville Museum, Preeceville Housing and Preeceville Nursing Home Auxiliary. She joined the United Church perogy ladies as often as she could on Tuesdays. Shirley enjoyed gardening and flowers, visiting and spending time with family and in the later years worked with diamond art, creating many beautiful works of art.

Family meant a lot to Shirley and she shared a close bond with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She stayed close to her siblings, nieces and nephews, enjoying their visits. She was someone that everyone loved and she loved them right back with kindness and respect. Shirley was a caretaker by nature and if anyone needed her, she was always there. She would often put others needs above her own without hesitation. Her kind and quiet nature was appreciated by all who loved her. She was truly a joy to have in your life.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Wayne; daughter, Eileen Stroeder; siblings, Bob Masko, Geraldine Duguid and Leo Masko; and brothers-in-law, Alan Lowe and Ronald Duguid.

She leaves behind so many that will miss her dearly. Son, Harvey (Joanne) Lowe; daughter, Doreen (Earl) Bochnuik; son-in-law, Ronald Stroeder; grandchildren, Donavan (Amanda) Stroeder, Derek (Lillian) Stroeder, Wesley Lowe, Jordan Lowe (Jamie), Evan Bochnuik (Ciara), Erron Bochnuik; great-grandchildren, Claire Stroeder, Leon Stroeder and Geno Stroeder; brother, John (Bev) Masko; sisters-in-law, Vivian Masko and Jean (Ed) Bosik as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services were held on October 5, 2024, from St. James Anglican Church in Endeavour, SK with Rev. Luanne Hrywkiw of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, officiating. The pianist, Debbie Blender, played the hymns “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” and “Be Thou My Vision”. Doreen Bochnuik shared the eulogy. A recording of “Children Go Where I Send Thee” performed by the Woodland Chorus was played at the end of the service. Honourary casketbearers were Jordan Lowe, Claire Stroeder, Leon Stroeder and Geno Stroeder. The interment followed at the Etomamie Valley Cemetery with Derek and Donavan Stroeder, Evan and Erron Bochnuik, Trevor and Scott Masko, Wesley Lowe, and Mason Bilan serving as casketbearers. Memorial donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church (c/o Box 434 Preeceville, SK, S0A 3B0) or Preeceville & District Heritage Museum (c/o Box 511 Preeceville, Sask. S0A 3B0) as gifts of remembrance.