Ida "Shirley" Jowsey, beloved wife of Dr. J.R. (Jim) Jowsey of Saltcoats, SK. passed away on February 2, 2014 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton, SK. She was 94 years of age. Shirley was born January 29, 1920 at Antelope, SK., the daughter of Ivar and Margaret (nee: Langford) Sather. In the late twenties and early thirties, Shirley's family lived in Colgate, SK. In 1939, the family moved to Star City where Shirley ran the projector at the local theatre. During the war years, Shirley worked at a munitions factory and a float coat factory in Ajax, ON. She later moved to Weyburn where she once again ran a projector in the theatre there before relocating to Regina where she worked for 16 years at Darke Hall Music Conservatory as a bookkeeper and also held a variety of other bookkeeping positions. It was during a Nature Saskatchewan Meeting that Shirley met James Jowsey. They were married on July 15, 1969. The couple lived and worked in Regina until the early 1980's and upon their retirement they moved to the farm in Saltcoats. More than thirty years ago, Jim and Shirley Jowsey of Saltcoats began the work that would lead to the publication of Wildflowers Across the Prairies. Shirley acted as typist, editor and proofreader and included in the book is a photograph she took - the field shot of the Dotted Blazingstar. The book acknowledges her immense contribution to the work. The acknowledgement reads: "The role of Shirley Jowsey in the development of this book has involved contributions of skill, wisdom, and commitment substantially equivalent to that of the authors." From the time Jim and Shirley moved to the farm they often led formal and informal nature excursions locally. They loved to pack lunches and just head out for an excursion. Shirley was one of the main organizers and promoters for several years of Nature Sask excursions to Cypress Hills, Porcupine Plain, etc. and for many years organized, collated and submitted statistics for the Christmas and other Bird Counts. She was a charter member of the YFBTA (Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association) formed in 2003, and a Board member since that time. Shirley was always a staunch supporter and mentor for students hired by YFBTA to lead their summer student program from 2010-2012. She and Jim were often participants and sometimes leadership providers in various tours and programs - Nature, Historical, etc. - within Saskatchewan but also while spending some wintering time in Victoria, BC. There were visits to Churchill and the tundra, coastal tours and a highlight for her was a trip to Norway and other Scandinavian countries. She was an active member of Saltcoats United Church - on Session for many years, a member of the United Church Women, and a generous supporter of St. Andrew's College, Calling Lakes Centre, special programs and appeals. Shirley was a lifelong learner, who appreciated Open University and University Extension Programs. Most recently, Shirley enjoyed her participation in the Laketown Leaders, she was always ready for another potluck, an afternoon of canasta and some visiting. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Ivar and Margaret Sather; brothers, Murray and Donald and one infant brother, Raymond; brother-in-law, John Jowsey. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her husband Jim; step children, Harriet Pepper and Harold Jowsey; brother, Milton; brother-in-law, Hugh Jowsey; sister-in-law, Mildred Jowsey; - as well as nieces nephews. A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 from the Saltcoats United Church in Saltcoats, SK. with Reverend Walter Farquharson and Thom Carnahan officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema, led the congregation and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir and Friends in the singing of the hymns, "In the Bulb There is a Flower", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "Teach me God to Wonder" and "I See a New Heaven". The Choir Anthem was "What Does the Lord Require of You". The Cremation Committal followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery, Saltcoats, SK. with Eric Pepper serving as the urn bearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
