Shirley Hardowa (nee Dombowsky) 1942-2024
It is with tremendous sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of Shirley Hardowa of Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Feb 26, 2024 at the Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary. She was cared for by a team of remarkable, passionate, and caring doctors, nurses, and staff who were as kind and as gentle in spirit as Shirley was.
Left to mourn is her cherished son Rob Hardowa, his wife Mary, and her treasured grandchildren Sarah and Luke. Shirley also leaves behind sisters Elaine Nieswandt and Rita Kraft, her sisters-in-law Ila Dombowsky, Sharon Hardowa, and Glenys Hudson, her dear aunt Teresa Chagun, and her loving nieces, nephews and cousins as well as her many devoted friends. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Gordon Hardowa, daughter Theresa Thomas, parents Vince and Beth Dombowsky, and her two brothers Conrad Dombowsky and Ricky Dombowsky.
Shirley was born in Avonlea, Saskatchewan on Dec 14, 1942 to proud parents Vince and Beth Dombowsky. She attended school in Salmon Arm, Claybank, Briercrest,and Radville. She graduated from Teachers College in Regina and spent all of her teaching career in Moose Jaw with the Catholic School Board.
Students, parents, and teachers remember Shirley’s calm, warm, and encouraging manner, always making each student feel that they mattered and were loved.
Shirley met Gord (Gordon) at the dairy bar in Moose Jaw before she started her teaching career. It wasn’t long before they married and started their family. She was devoted to her children Theresa and Rob, and provided them with meticulous love and concern. They loved their annual family trip to the cabins at Lac des Isles. Family and friends were often asked along for boat rides and fishing. Many wonderful fish frys were enjoyed, as well as countless other meals and card playing. Shirley made sure the tradition continued with Rob, Luke, and Sarah any year they were able to go until her passing.
Shirley had a talent for cooking, baking, sewing, quilting and volunteering. Most importantly, she had a passion for sharing her talents with her family and friends, her community and her church. In Moose Jaw, Swift Current, and Medicine Hat she was involved in various ministries in the Catholic Church which included taking communion to homebound parishioners and to seniors at Chinook Nursing Home in Medicine Hat. She was also involved with the CWL, Eucharist ministry, lectors, summer Bible school, children’s ministry, lay ministry, Miracle Quilting Group, and many more.
Per Shirley’s wishes, a private service will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made in Shirley’s name to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
