Shirley W. Boniface

May 21, 1928 -

Apr 7, 2020

Anchorage has lost a treasure with the passing of Shirley W. Boniface. Born in Newark, N.J., on May 21, 1928, to Leslie W. Wintsch and Arturina B. Wintsch, at age 19, she eloped with Paul R. Boniface II and their journey began. From working in the cranberry bogs of Massachusetts, Shirley and Paul bought a trailer and headed west. They sold their vehicle and trailer in Washington, and boarded the USS Aleutian to Alaska in 1948. Little did she know what an adventure that would become. Shirley worked for Alaska Airlines in a hangar on Elmendorf while Paul was an airplane mechanic. Paul entered a drawing and acquired a homestead site. In 1949, they built an 18' x 24' cabin and finished just before Shirley's first child, Paul R. Boniface III, was born. Shirley was in the middle of nowhere with a dog team and an Army surplus Jeep for Paul. The next summer a well was dug, and a year later they had electricity. The cabin was added on to, and in 1953 daughter Renee Ann Boniface was born. 1958 brought the first Shetland Sheepdog into her life, beginning a love affair with the breed. In 1959, they built Boniface Standard Oil "on a credit card." Shirley was general manager/bookkeeper and go-for. 1963 found her in Borrego Springs where they purchased a motel. She was both manager and housekeeping. Shirley returned to Anchorage in 1964. A few years later, Paul and Shirley entered into land development. They were also involved in publishing a small magazine. Shirley was well respected for her business sense, and was involved in many organizations over time. It was a life of boom, bust and adventure. Family always came first. From their first sheltie forward, shelties have been a constant. Shirley's kennel BeBoni Shelties has enjoyed successes in the show ring, therapy and performance, but the greatest success was through the people who came into the lives of herself and her family.

Shirley was predeceased by husband, Paul; and son, Paul R. Boniface III. She is survived by daughter, Renee Ann Boniface; grandson, David Boniface (wife Jeannie Boniface); granddaughter, Eleodia Flanagan; and great-grandsons, Owen, Seth and Nathaniel, whom she said were the most wonderful things in her world.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name. She was especially interested in: Benaroya Research Institute, American Shetland Sheepdog Association-Health Research, the local Food Bank, Hospice of Anchorage and Providence Hospice. A memorial will be held at a later date when it is safe for us all to be together.