Shirley Gourneau, age 84, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at SMP-St. Kateri Hospital, Rolla, ND.

Shirley Ann Gourneau was born on December 4, 1941, in Belcourt, North Dakota, to Isadore and Evelyn (Brunelle) Gourneau. She was raised among a large loving family where the values of faith, resilience, humor, and caring for others began shaping the way she would live her life. Early in life she was fondly named Diddles by her older brother Pugs, a name used by many.

Shirley attended St. Ann's Catholic School through the eighth grade before attending Marty Indian Boarding School in South Dakota, where she graduated. She later earned degrees in teaching and counseling and spent most of her professional career as a school counselor at the Turtle Mountain Community Elementary School, until her retirement in 2004.

In 1960, Shirley married Raymond Bercier, and shortly after began building a large family. Later navigating life as a single mother, Shirley learned to drive, pursued both her undergraduate and graduate education, and raised six children with the loving support of her family. Through determination, humor, and unwavering love, she raised children who carried forward her values of kindness, hard work, compassion, and service to others in their own families, communities, and professions.

Shirley was known for her wisdom, humor, strong spirit, and deep love for her family. She cherished time spent with her children and several generations of grandchildren, creating memories through holiday gatherings, lunch and soap operas, gardening, reading, baking, traveling, including adventures to local graveyards.

Her presence brought people together. Whether through beloved family meetings, community wellness events, singing Christmas carols, or card and dice games around the kitchen table, Shirley had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. Many turned to her for comfort, perspective, and honest conversation throughout their lives.

While her Catholic faith remained central to her life, she also honored the traditional cultural and spiritual teachings that grounded her family and community. She believed deeply in caring for others, protecting children, strengthening family bonds, and helping people recognize their own worth.

One of the unique blessings of Shirley's life was experiencing five generations twice — first as a granddaughter alongside her own grandmother, and later as a great-great-grandmother herself.

Above all else, Shirley loved her family. Her legacy lives on through generations of children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, students, and community members whose lives were forever shaped by her love, humor, strength, and unwavering care.

Shirley Ann Gourneau is survived by her children: Sandra (Rick), Diane (Jon), Paula (Jeff), Carl (Michelle), Susan (Scott), and Paul (Georgianna); her grandchildren Harmony, Jennifer, Cassandra, Annadine, Michael, Eve, Isadora, Matt, Jersey, Damian, Cory, Brad, Carletta, Adam, Amanda, Kristi, Shania, Daniel, Justin, Cody, Jessica, Janie, Jonathan, Declan, and Ryley; 50 beloved great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; her siblings Isadore Gourneau (Carol Ann), Carrie (Lawrence) Wilkie, Debbie Marion, Denise (Leonard) Keplin, Randall (Lila) Gourneau Sr (Godson), Clark Gourneau, and Colleen (Lee) Davis; and her goddaughter Sara Quach (Dauphinais).

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Isadore and Evelyn (Brunelle) Gourneau; her brothers Douglas Gourneau, Vernon Gourneau, and Warren Gourneau; her brothers-in-law Robert Marion and James Martin; her sisters-in-law Bertie Gourneau, Karen Gourneau, and Phyllis Gourneau; her nieces Anne and Marie Martin, and Cheron Keplin; her nephew Lionel Martin; her best friend Jeanie Croteau; her beloved great-grandchildren Anthony, Sybil, and Josey; and many beloved members of the extended Bercier family.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Monday, May 25, 2026 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.  Father Michael Slovak presiding.  A Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND. Father Richard Fineo presiding.  Burial will follow funeral services at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.