Tribute

Shirley Betty Brady (Nerenberg) Obituary

It is with very heavy hearts that we said our final goodbye to our beloved mom, Shirley Betty Brady, on January 19, 2026, at the age of 82, at the Kelowna General Hospital in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Shirley was born August 5, 1943, in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was welcomed into the home of Hilda and Adolf Nerenburg of Jansen, Saskatchewan and, after Adolf’s passing, was raised with the love and guidance of her second father, Daniel Schinkel. On October 1, 1960, in Wynyard, Saskatchewan, Shirley married Raymond (Ray) Alfred Dubé. From this union came three children. During their years together, they lived in Jansen, Elfros, Hanley and Carlyle, Saskatchewan. After Ray’s passing, Shirley worked at the Carlyle Public Library and for many years at Lawreks Clothing Store, where she was well known and warmly regarded.

Shirley later began a support group for widows and widowers, where she met Donald Brady and began a new chapter of her life. For several years, Shirley and Don drove semi-trucks throughout Canada and the United States, hauling everything from cattle to general goods.  Those years were filled with adventure, hard work, and countless stories.

Eventually they settled in Weyburn, where Shirley continued her work at Lawreks at their second location. During their time there, Shirley and Don purchased several homes before settling into a large historic house built in 1906, once owned by a banker. Though the building had been converted into apartment units, Shirley and Don lovingly restored it to its original glory. The home later received heritage status. This restoration sparked Shirley’s lifelong passion for antiques, and their home was filled with many treasured pieces.

After their trucking years, Shirley and Don spent many years in that home supporting individuals with Intellectual disabilities, this was also the time when mom began caring for homeless cats. The cats grew to love her, as she did them.

Shirley and Don eventually made the move to Osoyoos, British Columbia where they continued to provide support for three intellectually disabled people. Moving with them was Theo the cockatoo, Samson the cat and Carlyle the dog, all beloved members of the family. Shirley made their house a warm and welcoming home, enjoyed outings with family and friends, and cherished her time shopping at Valanne Style, Common Threads Boutique and Strike the Pose, where she formed lasting friendships. Her compassion extended to the homeless cats that came to her door, each welcomed with food, warmth and love.

Shirley is predeceased by her mother Hilda Schinkel; her two fathers, Adolf Nerenberg and Daniel Schinkel; her first husband Raymond Alfred Dubé; her second husband Donald Franklin Brady; her son Terry Dubé; and her sister-in-law Kay Nerenberg.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her daughter Sherry Lynn Dubé and husband (Ross Bateman); her son Robert Raymond Dubé, partner (Brenda); her brother Bob Nerenberg; brother-in-law Jerry Dubé; sister-in-law Audrey (Dubé) Lipka; step children Ron (Gail) Brady; Marilyn (Mel) George; Jane (George) Huntington; sister-in-law Glenda Weiler; seventeen (17) grandchildren and twenty-five (25) great grandchildren.

Mom was a warm, loving, kind and caring person, with a wonderful sense of humour. She will be deeply missed. In our hearts, she will always stay – loved and remembered everyday.

A funeral service will be held on May 2^nd, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Church, 7814 Spartan Drive Osoyoos, British Columbia.

To send condolences, please visit nunes-pottinger.com/obituaries/

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Canadian Foundation for Vascular Health or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.