1942 – 2026

Ephesians 2:8-10: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 SHIRLEY ANNE KONYNENBELT, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, went home to her Lord on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 84.

Shirley was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, on April 28, 1942. She was the oldest of four children, with one brother and two sisters.  Shirley grew up in the Granum area where she went to school and worshipped at the Granum CRC.  After completing high school, Shirley pursued her training as a nurse in Calgary.  During those years, the Lord also brought into her life her future husband, Bert, who she started “going around with” at a Bible conference in Waterton Lakes National Park. This began a lifelong journey together marked by faith, love, devotion, and commitment to family. In November of last year, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary, and the many years they shared together were a precious gift from the Lord.  During the last few years, the journey was more difficult for Shirley as her health declined.  Bert served Shirley and his Lord with his tender care and patient love for her.

Shirley treasured her family immensely, showing her love in countless ways to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a tremendous cook and a gifted artisan.  She was a remarkable seamstress, cake decorator and woodworker. She used these talents to serve her family, and her creations are now cherished by her children and grandchildren.  Shirley was also known for her hospitality, often bringing home new church visitors to enjoy a Sunday meal.  Her quick wit and sense of humor were well known as she was always the one creating skits, songs and games for weddings, youth conferences and church events.

Shirley was a volunteer home economics teacher at Immanuel Christian School and was involved as president of the Ladies Auxiliary there for many years. She also helped lead several Calvinette camps that are still fondly remembered by those who attended.  In later years she also volunteered at the Mission Thrift Store. Shirley worked for many years as a nurse at the Auxiliary Hospital where she showed the love of Christ to those suffering from Alzheimer’s.  Shirley had a quiet, but steadfast faith in her Lord and Saviour. Her many acts of service were done out of a love and thankfulness for Christ.  She witnessed with these actions by modeling James 1:22 to those around her: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Dorothy De Boer, her parents-in-law Marinus and Gezina Konynenbelt, her brother Dennis De Boer, her brother-in-law Marvin Vandervalk and her brother-in-law Bill Venhuis.

Shirley is survived by three children: Twila (Al) Drexhage, Susan (Warren) Elgersma and Duane (Anne) Konynenbelt; seven grandchildren: Jaeda Drexhage, Nathan (Caitie) Drexhage, Ashley Elgersma, Natalie (Santi) Elgersma, Rebecca (Dylan) Van Dyk, Stephanie (Matt) Dykstra and Davis (Anna) Konynenbelt; and 8 great-grandchildren: Mayelle, Adaya and Shepherd Van Dyk, Quinn, Caleb and Kasen Dykstra and Dawson and Jasper Konynenbelt.  Shirley is also survived by her beloved sisters and sister-in-law: Lorraine Vandervalk, Barb (Allen) Nauta, and Linda De Boer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Herman and Marie Konynenbelt, Fanny and Andy Feenstra and Marvin and Elaine Konynenbelt; close friend and cousin-in-law Fanny Kuipers along with all her nephews, nieces and cousins.

In lieu of flowers in memory of Shirley, donations may be made either to the Lethbridge & District Pro-Life Association:  www.lifelethbridge.org or to the Interfaith Food Bank: https://interfaithfoodbank.ca/

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Cedar Creek Adaptacare for the loving care shown to “Nana.”

The Funeral Service will be held at TRINITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH (1100 40th Ave N, Lethbridge) on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Shirley’s obituary on the Cornerstone website. A private interment for close family and friends will be held at the Nobleford Cemetery at 11:00 am prior to the funeral.

Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-05-10
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta