Shirley Azure, age 74, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at the Belcourt Hospital, Belcourt, ND.

Shirley Ann (Malaterre) Azure was born on September 25, 1945, to Gregory "LiGrig" Malaterre and Alice (Keplin) Malaterre. She grew up with her family west of Belcourt, North Dakota. Shirley recounted many stories about her childhood that relayed admiration for her mother, which undoubtedly had a lasting effect in her life.

After she graduated from Turtle Mountain Community High School, Shirley attended Minot State University in Bottineau, North Dakota, Dickinson State College, in Dickinson, North Dakota, and graduated from Minot State University, Minot, North Dakota, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1969. Shirley returned to her community and began working at the Turtle Mountain Community Elementary School, where she was the first certified Native American teacher. While teaching, Shirley obtained her Master of Education degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Shirley also worked for the Dunseith Head Start program and then Ojibwa Indian School for several years before returning to the Turtle Mountain Community Elementary School until her retirement in 2010, after teaching for 41 years. Shortly into her retirement, Shirley gave back to her community once again, she began teaching pre-school at St. Ann's Catholic School in Belcourt. Shirley's love of learning and teaching knew no limits.

Shirley married Melvin Azure on January 6, 1973, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt. Together, they built a home east of Belcourt and raised three children: Karrie, Alissa, and Krysten. Family was everything to Shirley, and she was a wonderful mother and caring grandmother. From family trips in the summer to attending school functions with her grandchildren, Shirley exemplified the matriarchal role.

Much of Shirley's life was dedicated to her love of teaching. She taught religious education classes for several years while her own children were attending religion classes. Shirley also taught summer education courses for a couple of years for various elementary-aged students at her residence; to this day, parents of those summer school students recount stories of how much fun that was for their kids at the time.

In her later years, Shirley enjoyed long conversations with her sisters, her classmates, and close friends. She loved baking, canning and trying out new recipes for family and friends. She was an active member of St. Ann's Oblates and a former member of the St. Ann's Parish Council. Shirley was recognized as a pillar of the religious community; she prayed the rosary daily and looked forward to her weekly hour visitation at the Adoration Chapel. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Through the VFW Auxiliary, Shirley spent numerous hours hosting fundraising campaigns and supporting activities in support of the VFW.

Shirley was an extraordinary woman. Her passion for teaching, her commitment to her Catholic faith, and love of her family are but a few of her many admirable qualities. She will be missed dearly by all.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Melvin; her children, Karrie (Jeff), Alissa (Travis), and Krysten; her granddaughter, EmmaLee, and her step-grandchildren, Veranna, Valicia, Layton, and Riley. She is also survived by her sisters: Dorene Malaterre, Joann Desjarlais, Lillian Allard, and Carol Malaterre. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gregory and Alice Malaterre, her bother, Alfred "Coshish" Malaterre, and her grandson, Gabriel (Gabe) Azure.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Monday, June 22, 2020 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 10:00 AM in the church with Fr. Dennis Mary Dugan presiding. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.