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Shirley’s Story

Site created on July 2, 2019

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Shirley has suffered a massive stroke in her middle right cerebral artery. She has cerebral swelling and a bleed in the right hemisphere of her brain. She has very limited movement on the left side of her body and aphasia on the left side of her face. She developed atrial fibrillation, which is believed to have caused the stroke.

She was admitted into the Neuro ICU at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. She was then moved to the Neurology floor, room H8066, on Thursday, June 27th. Your cards and well wishes are very welcomed but please, no visitors at this time.

Shirley is doing well considering the scope of her medical condition. She is very tired, which is to be expected, and resting well. She is able to talk a bit and we expect this to improve as the cerebral bleeding and swelling dissipates.

She will have a procedure today to have a feeding tube placed in her stomach due to her current difficulty swallowing. We hope that in time her ability to swallow will be restored.

The good news is that her heart has returned to a normal sinus rhythm on its own. She will have an additional head CT scan today. If the cerebral swelling and bleeding is better they may administer blood thinning medication to advert any additional clots from being released from her heart.

The process of recovery and rehabilitation will be a long one. But Shirley is in great shape and has a very positive attitude about life. We know that her sense of humor is still with her and her ability to communicate through this process will be a great benefit.

We are fortunate to have our family together to help her recover. All of you have been so kind to reach out and offer your prayers and well wishes. We greatly appreciate each and every one! We will let you know when she is ready for company. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to Craig (612) 280-1845 or me (612) 991-1885 if you would like to talk further.

Blessings,

Ann

Newest Update

Journal entry by Ann Bentdahl — Aug 25, 2020

Hello Everyone,

We now have the arrangements made for Shirley's Visitation and Funeral here in Minnesota. Please go to the website
https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/Shirley-Bentdahl/ for all the details regarding the services. There will be a visitation at Washburn-McRevy Chapel on Vernon Ave., Edina, MN this Friday evening from 5:30-8:30.
A private funeral service will take place at the Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. We encourage the public to participate in the live streaming of the service. Instructions will be on the Website referenced above for Shirley.
There will be an interment directly following the funeral service at Lakewood Cemetery at the Bentdahl gravesite. All are welcome.

Of course, if you have any questions you can either call Washburn-McRevy at 952-920-3996 or you can call me at 612-991-1885.

We look forward to celebrating Shirley's life with you in whichever way feels most comfortable for you.

With much gratitude and love,

Ann and the Bentdahl Family

Read More of the journal titled "August 24, 2020"

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