SHIRLEY ANN CHIEF

(nee Snider)

September 14, 1940 - November 13, 2025

On November 13, 2025, Shirley Ann Chief of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away at the age of 85 with family by her side.

Shirley is survived by her five sons Barry (Dawna), Garry (Elaine), Wayne (Teresa), Brent (Andrea), Kevin (Melanie); nine grandchildren Crystal, Donovan, Nathan, Brian, Shelley Anne, Hayden, Kellan, and Daxton; 14 great grandchildren Oaklynn, Bennett, Hunter, Hazen, Seaquin, Ruckus, Autumn, Lucious, Rain, Hailey, Tatum, Skylar, Cayson, and Unique.

She was predeceased by her first husband Norman Chief; second husband Chesley Seaton from Waywayseecappo; parents Lawrence and Anne Snider; and grandson David.

Shirley was born on September 14, 1940 in Swan River, Manitoba. She was raised by her parents in Bowsman and Swan River.

As a toddler Shirley was given a piano and her musical career began. From there she joined the Heyes School marching band and played the bass drum. Around 1954 she met the Adams Family from Crestview, a musical household, with whom she joined to form a band called Ricky’s Rhythm Rascals.

When she was 17 she met a handsome young man from Duck Bay named Norman Chief. He was a musician, singer, and entertainer. Shirley already played piano and drums and Norman encouraged her to learn the accordion as well. They formed a band that played dances and rodeos in Swan River and was even featured in CKOS TV - a television station in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In 1960 they were married and had five boys together.

Shirley was part of a group of women who were steadfast friends known as the “Golden Girls”. They spent many hours together working to give back to the community. At one point they formed a square dance group called the “Fiddling Frank Turcotte Memorial Dancers” who performed at seniors’ homes. They were devoted fans of musical legend Ray St. Germain and regularly attended his concerts.

Shirley was much beloved by the community of people who attended the Métis Club on McGregor Street. For many years along with the Golden Girls she spent many hours helping organize bingos, square dances, and musical performances.

She was grateful to spend time with many of her family and friends from across Manitoba who recently gathered at the Métis Club to see her and enjoy old time country music along with watching her grandsons’ jig with the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers.

Special thanks to Barry, Dawna, and her niece Lucy who took care of Shirley during her last days.

Shirley was a loving, caring person who took great joy in her friends and family. She will be deeply missed by all of us.

Funeral service will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street on Tuesday, November 25, at 10:00 a.m.