Shirley Mabel Henderson Kenny

Shirley was born July 24, 1926 in Montreal to parents Mabel Sims and Charles Henderson who were both born in the Eastern Townships. She was a younger sister to Greta. The Henderson's lived in Maisonneuve and spent a lot of time in the townships, either at Grandma Henderson's in Windsor or the Sims farm in Melbourne Ridge. She grew up during the depression, but her father provided well for the family with his job as a machinist at the Molson Brewery. Shirley's parents placed a high value on the education of girls. She was a graduate from the High School of Montreal and afterwards took a business course at Sir George Williams College.

Shirley joined the work force. First she worked for the Dominion Bank at Bleury & Ste Catherine, then as a secretary at the Texaco Refinery in Montreal East. During this time she met Jim. They married December 8, 1950 and had three children Jim, Ross and Dawn. Shirley became a full time Mom, but her goal was to return to the work force once the children were old enough.

She was a wonderful Mom, always supportive of her children. Her exceptional fast typing skills were an asset when last minute school projects were given to her the night before they were due. Without fail, there was always a home cooked meal on the table every night.

Shirley and Jim would plan a family summer vacation every year. The family has fond memories, not of the vacations that went smoothly, but of the ones that went awry. Most involved camping and the trials and tribulations of pitching a tent in the middle of the night, or getting that home cooked meal ready on a Coleman stove.

Despite the many challenges she faced during the years, Shirley never complained. She always kept moving forward saying "tomorrow would be a better day" or "it could always be worse".

Once her children were old enough she went back to work, which eventually led to school secretarial positions with the Montreal Catholic School Commission. She retired from Doran High School. Mrs. Kenny became “Miss” to hundreds of students whom she tried to help however she could.

When Shirley and Jim retired they hoped to enjoy the good life together but this was cut short by Jim’s death in 1992. Shirley remained in the family home until March 2012 when she moved into a senior’s residence.

As a widow, Shirley persisted and kept active by swimming regularly and joining the seniors group Almage. She was asked to join the board of that organization and served for two terms.

Shirley’s pride and joy are her grandchildren Kurt, Matthew, Alison and Warren. She took care of them whenever needed and her respect and kindness is reflected in every one of them.

She also provided room and board to Kurt, Matthew and Alison during their CEGEP years. As one moved out, the next one moved in over a span of 8 years.

In April 2013 Shirley was diagnosed with a critical heart ailment. After a lengthy and trying 2 month stay in hospital she prevailed and was moved to a senior residence with more extensive services at Chateau Westmount. Unfortunately after only a few weeks at the Chateau, she had to return to the hospital for a week. Once again she battled through and managed to return to the Chateau.

Just a few days before her last hospital admission, one of the nurses at the Chateau saw Shirley playing a game of wheelchair basketball with the other residents. She said Shirley was having so much fun. Mom was always a joiner and loved to laugh.

Unfortunately her illness had taken its toll, and she passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, August 4, 2013.

The family shed a lot of tears over the course of her illness, but shared many laughs as well. Shirley never held back her opinions and had a great sense of humor. During her illness she was always more concerned about the people around her, so kind and caring. It's an honor to have her as a mother and grandmother. We love her and she will be forever missed.

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Passed away in Montreal, at the age of 87 on August 4, 2013. Beloved wife of the late James Kenny. Daughter of the late Mabel Sims and Charles Henderson, and sister of the late Greta Pipe (Henderson). She will be forever missed by her children James (Kimberley), Ross (Johanne), Dawn (Richard), her grandchildren Kurt, Matthew, Alison and Warren.

Visitation will be held at Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Home on Thursday, August 8 from 6 to 9 pm and on Friday, August 9 from 9:30 am, followed by funeral service at 11 am in the chapel of the funeral home. Private interment at the Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to Almage Senior Community Center, 8680 Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, (QC), H1L 2M6, 514-355-1712.

Les funérailles sont organisées par : Résidences funéraires Collins Clarke MacGillvray White Funeral Homes, Montreal, QC.