Keitha Sirman

Keitha Ardell Sirman
December 14, 1938 – September 28, 2025

It is with profound sadness and deep love that the family of Keitha Ardell Sirman announces her passing on September 28, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on December 14, 1938, in Barwick, Ontario, Keitha was the youngest of 14 siblings in a large and loving family. Her early life was filled with the joy and challenges of a bustling household—a foundation that shaped her lifelong devotion to family and community.

Keitha's life journey took her from Barwick, where she was born to Eva Lewis and Cornett Crumbley Shannon, to Geraldton and Atikokan, where she met the love of her life, Andrew (Andy) Sirman. Together, they built a partnership rooted in love, respect, and adventure. Their early years together included a brief move to Saskatchewan, but it was in Thompson, Manitoba where they planted deep roots and raised their family over the course of more than 30 years. Here Keitha was an avid curler and fisherwoman.  Spending days and nights out at Sirman beach building many memories with family and friends.

In retirement, Keitha and Andy made their comfortable welcoming home in Rainy River, Ontario, affectionately known by family as either “The Ponderosa” “The Farm” or as the hunters called it "The Hunt Camp." It was a place of peace, gathering, and laughter for 25 plus wonderful years. Their second chapter of retirement brought them to Selkirk, where they embraced their small apartment but even larger circle of visits, family time, and travel.

Keitha was predeceased by her beloved Andy, who passed away in August 2023. Their love and companionship were evident to all who knew them. Also gone before her were her parents Eva Lewis and Cornett Crumbley Shannon, her siblings: Elwood (Ruby), Lila (Ben), Harvey (Theresa), David, Thelma (Bernie), Leonard (Kay), Bob (Ruby/Phyllis), Ardeth (Louis), Muriel, Fred (Queenie), Luella (Howard) Patricia and so many nieces and nephews it would be crazy to list. She left behind her cherished brother Clayton (Louise/Eileen) whom she shared a close relationship through 86 years.

She is survived by her four children, who were the pride and joy of her life: Brian Andrew (Heather), Brenda Alice (Michael Eakes), Brad Alex (Nanette), Brent Allen (Bernadine).

Her heart grew even fuller with the arrival of her grandchildren. By age: Pamela (Eric), Natasha (Michel), Shawn (Josée), Savanah (Dave), Katlynn (Travis), Baileigh (Mitchell) and Jayden (Katie).

Not much later, her cherished great-grandchildren began to come in droves. She loved them all. In order of appearance: From Natasha – Ethan, Mavric, and Nevaeh; From Shawn – Thomas and Blake;  From Savanah – Hannah and Charlie; From Katlynn – Ashton, Kennedy, Sawyer, Ambree, and Kyler; From Baileigh – Jaxson, Adalynn Keitha, and Brooklyn; From Jayden – Rylan and Colby.

Keitha had an extraordinary gift of memory. As the youngest of 14 children and sister-in-law to 8, she made it her mission to rarely forget a birthday or anniversary—not just for her immediate family, but for countless nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. Her steady stream of cards and letters was legendary—Canada Post surely noted her loyal contributions.

In her golden years, Keitha spent her time surrounded by those she loved, whether traveling across the country to visit family in Thompson, Geraldton, Sudbury, or even Colorado, or warmly welcoming visitors to her home. She never missed a special occasion—rain, snow, or even a pandemic couldn't keep her away from weddings and milestones. Family was everything to her, and she showed up with her whole heart, every time.

Keitha will be remembered for her kindness, her unfailing memory, her heartfelt cards, and her ability to make everyone feel important and loved. Her strength, compassion, and fierce dedication to family leave behind a legacy that will live on through all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family would like to sincerely thank the Doctors and Staff from Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.

A private family service will be held in accordance with her wishes, and a celebration of her life will be shared with friends and extended family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to send a card to someone you love—just as Keitha would have or consider donating to the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Keitha Sirman, please visit our floral store.