July 26, 1945 – March 30, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley Genik announces the passing of our beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother on March 30, 2024 at the age of 78 years old.
Shirley was born on July 26, 1945 to Ethel and Leo Lacosse in Dryden, Ontario. She grew up with her family and 7 siblings in Hudson, Ontario. Shirley was the oldest daughter, always looking out for her younger siblings as they grew up.
As a young woman, Shirley worked at Pelican Lake Indian Residential school, ironing uniforms, and also at the Royal Cafe in Sioux Lookout as a waitress. It was there that she met the love of her life, her husband Gary of 60 years.
In 1965, Shirley and Gary moved to Atikokan with their son Michael, where they later welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Corrine.
Shirley worked at Steep Rock Hotel and Bar Rene Restaurant in Atikokan, where she soon became a smiling face of familiarity to anyone who walked in.
Shirley and Gary later moved to a beautiful country home in Murillo, Ontario where they spent the next 21 years. Shirley worked at Great Lakes Mill Cafeteria, St. Patrick’s High School Cafeteria, and Santorelli’s truck stop. Shirley left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and could still be recognized by previous students and customers years later. The couple retired back to their home in Atikokan shortly after their grandchildren were born.
Shirley loved to work with her hands, and was an avid tree planter in the summers during her younger years. She later enjoyed making perogies and cabbage rolls for any and all occasions, including fundraisers for her grandchildren’s hockey team or even just when her grandson got hungry. No family gathering was complete without her homemade perogies and cabbage rolls.
Shirley and Gary are the primary caregivers of her brother Edward, who held a very special place in her heart.
Shirley will be missed dearly by her husband Gary, children Michael and Corrine (Phillip) Colvin, her grandchildren Rikki-Lynn, Jessica (Ryan), Nicholas (Samantha), great granddaughter Mallory, and of course, her dog Buddy.
She will be forever loved and missed by her siblings Edward, Joyce, Mary Jane, Betty Mae (Dominic), Dennis (Patsy), and Kenneth (Lorraine). Shirley is predeceased by her parents Leo and Ethel Lacosse, and her brother Leonard.
Shirley’s passing has left a hole in all of our hearts, but we are forever grateful to have known and been loved by her. She will be missed, loved, and remembered forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Atikokan General Hospital as per Shirley's wishes. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date to honour her life.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street, Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestthunderbay.com
