Obituary of Shirley Skuta
In Loving Memory of Shirley Cecile Marie Skuta January 7, 1936 – July 7, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Shirley Cecile Marie Skuta. Shirley passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in Welland, Ontario, following a sudden decline in health.
Born on January 7, 1936, in Ansonville (Iroquois Falls), Ontario, Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband Patrick Lawrence Skuta, her parents Frances Boc (Maurice) & Edouard Tanguay and stepfather Steve Boc, as well as her son Anthony and her siblings Bobby (Robert) Tanguay (Sharon) and Viviane Palazzo (Gene). She leaves behind her loving brother, Lucky (Dennis) Tanguay, and sister-in-law Iris Skuta.
Shirley, or Mimi as she was known by some of her favorite people, will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children: Tammy, Tina, Kevin (Christine), and Patrick (Tisha). Her grandchildren: Stephen (Giulia), Julian (Carina), Nicholas (Victoria), Christian (Natalie), Karly, Taylor, Jake, Angelique, and Skylar. As well as her great-grandchildren: Rosalia, Gianna, and Miley. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and lifelong friends who were touched by her kindness and vibrant spirit.
A woman of unwavering faith and fierce independence, Shirley lived her life rooted in love, tradition and deep spiritual strength. She was a proud and devout member of St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Andrew the Apostle and most recently, Paroisse du Sacré-Cœur in Welland, where she joyfully sang in the choir for several years. Guided by her deep faith and spirituality, she faced every chapter of life, including its challenges, with grace, dignity and remarkable resilience. She was and will always remain a constant source of strength and light to everyone who knew her.
Shirley had an adventurous and active spirit throughout her life. She spent her early childhood in Iroquois Falls where she had a love for tap dancing and would entertain at local shows and events before moving with her mother and siblings to Welland South, where she began a new chapter of her life. In 1955, she married Patrick Lawrence Skuta, and together they built a life grounded in devotion and family. Shirley was an exceptional cook and baker. Their home became the heart of countless celebrations, filled with the smell of baking, the warmth of hugs, an occasional glass of red wine, and a sense of welcome that embraced everyone who stepped through the door. Whether it was Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays, or a simple Sunday dinner, Mom was always looking for a reason to gather, cook, and celebrate the people she loved. Her door was always open, and she was always the first to lend a hand or offer a seat at the table.
When she wasn’t winning beauty contests, at home or church, you might find Shirley in her younger years swimming across the Welland Canal to beat the passing boats or sunbathing in the summer sun. She treasured her winters spent with her parents and sister in Sarasota, Florida, and fondly recalled family camping trips through Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes and New York State. Later in life, she could be found at the Welland Wellness Centre participating in Aquafit classes or bowling in the Friendly Club 5 Pin Bowling League where she was a scratch bowler. She spent many late nights playing cards at home and days cycling and picnicking on the Niagara Parkway with “the girls”. Above all, mom’s favorite place to be simply spending time with her family and loved ones.
Shirley could be heard cheering proudly from the stands in arenas across Ontario for her sons and then her grandchildren. She could also be found on the sidelines of soccer fields, in gymnasiums and dance studios, always there to support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with pride and joy, never wanting to miss an event.
Mimi could be found doing “Mimi Things” at her home or any of her family’s homes. These included, but not limited to, cleaning, that could pass a “White Glove Test”, insisting on having her laundry dry on the clothesline, no matter what time of year, for the freshest smelling laundry in town or bestowing nurturing “Mimi Lessons” in classic Mimi Style. At Christmas time, Mimi was the Supervisor of Tree and House Decorating and Head of the Tinsel Placement Department. She was also the Lead Machine in the Shortbread Cookie and Pierogi Making Unit for all holiday meals. Mimi will be irreplaceable to all her “co-workers”.
We are especially grateful to Dr. P.J. Kundi, who cared for Mom for over 40 years, and Dr. Tobias Kauffman, who supported her with compassion in recent years. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the caring staff at Royal Rose Place in Welland, where Mom received comfort and dignity during her brief stay. We also deeply appreciate the compassionate team on the 4th Floor of Welland Hospital, and the dedicated PSWs from ParaMed and Bayshore, who brought tenderness and support in her final days.
Mom, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, and your love a gift we’ll carry in our hearts forever. We will miss the place we called home for so many years, with you now gone. We find peace in knowing you are now singing with the angels, reunited with loved ones, and resting in the presence of your Heavenly Father. Until we meet again. Love you forever and always Mom.
In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family invites friends and relatives to celebrate Shirley’s life at the WELLAND FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 827 East Main St., Welland, on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. followed by a church service at Église Sacré-Coeur at 12:00 p.m. and internment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and The Alzheimer’s Society.
