Obituary of Shirley Alaine Arychuk (nee Pulay)

Shirley Alaine (nee Pulay) Arychuk passed peacefully after a diagnosis of cancer at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on May 17, 2025, at the age of 80 years.

Shirley was the youngest child born to her parents Rose Mary and George Pulay. She grew up in the Sleepy Valley district, where she went to school until the age of 15 years.

She was an ambitious young lady, and went to work for her cousin Mary, who owned a Restaurant in Violet Grove, AB. Mary taught her well, but from there she decided to do something different; she chose to work in the Lacombe, Eckville, and Rocky Mtn. House hospitals as a Ward Aide. She then went on to take a Cosmetology course at the Red Deer School of Beauty, which turned out to be exactly what she was looking for. She then became a Hair Stylist, and later came to own 3 of her own businesses, with shops in Red Deer, Lacombe and Rocky Mtn. House. She was good at what she did and never lacked for clientele. During her free time, she would help out working side by side with her sister and husband, and their kids, milking cows and bailing hay, etc. Many laughs were shared by all.

It was during this time that she met her future husband, Dave. They were married, and went on to have a daughter together, Shirleen DeeDee. Dave passed away in July, 1998, and Shirley and DeeDee then moved to Red Deer, where Shirley remained until her passing. She was loved by so many people; she had a great sense of humor and was fun to be with. If you ever needed someone to talk to, she always took the time for you.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her daughter DeeDee, and by all her nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband Dave; parents, Rosie and George; brothers Mike, Henry, Chris, and Phillip; and by her sisters Mae and Rose.

So dear Shirley, we will surely miss you, and you will never be forgotten. For you will always be in our hearts and in our memories. She will be resting in the arms our Lord and Savior, until we all meet again.

The family would like to extend a thank you to all the staff of unit 24 and 32 for the excellent care and compassion Shirley received during her stay at the Red Deer Hospital. As per Shirley’s wishes, no public memorial will be held. Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband Dave in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Rocky Mountain House AB.

In lieu of flowers, consider giving a blood donation or a donation to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences to Shirley’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Arychuk” in the subject line.

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