Dr. Shirlyn Bonnie McKenzie

Shirlyn Bonnie McKenzie passed away on August 29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Shirlyn was born in Superior, Wisconsin to George and Helen Olson on April 11, 1943. She was the second born of her four siblings. She spent her childhood in Superior and graduated from Superior Central High School where she excelled in her academics. As a child, she survived polio and scoliosis and spent a year in a full body cast while continuing her schooling. She attributed the Shriner’s Hospital for saving her life during this perilous time. She attended the University of Wisconsin at Superior and received her Bachelor of Science Degree. She married her high school sweetheart Gary McKenzie in 1965, and they remained best friends through 65 years of marriage until his death in 2021. Once married, Shirlyn followed her husband around the world as an Air Force wife. In 1967, she had her first son Scott in Denver, Colorado. Her second son Shawn was born in the Philippines at Clark Air Force Base. The family was stationed at several bases in many different locales including Denver, the Philippines, Tampa, Miami, North Dakota, Illinois, and finally San Antonio. Frequently during these active-duty stations, Shirlyn would be the sole parent to the two rambunctious boys while Gary was deployed.

Shirlyn continued to pursue her love of medicine working as a laboratory hematologist and assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center. While working she completed her master’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and subsequently was named full professor and as the Director of the Medical Technology Program. While working full time at the Health Science Center, she traveled to Texas A&M in College Station each week to fulfill her requirements for her PhD which she earned in 1993. Shirlyn attained the position of Professor of Laboratory Medicine and chair of her department and continued to research, publish, guide and teach clinical students. She was a dedicated hematologist and teacher and served as the President of ASCLS and was awarded membership in Alpha Mu Tau, her professional honorary society. She is the author of two textbooks currently in their second and third editions that are utilized in clinical lab science programs. She consistently published research and case studies in numerous professional publications. She also presented keynotes and research at numerous professional organizations and meetings. When she retired from the University of Texas Health Science Center, she was honored by having an endowment named for her for continuing education. In addition, she was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Chair Emiritus. Her teaching, mentorship, and dedication to her profession impacted immeasurable numbers of people.

In her personal life, Shirlyn was a true friend to all who were associated with her. She enjoyed swimming, spending time at her cabin in Northern Wisconsin, sewing, baking, gardening, playing the piano, and traveling the world with her husband. Her door was always open to visitors and many stories can be told of neighboring children visiting her while she taught them baking and medical knowledge. No one can remember her saying a negative word about anyone. She could always find the positive in anyone. She was fervent in her faith and could usually be found singing her heart out in the second row of church on Sundays. She served her community in a variety of volunteer services through church, San Antionio Metropolitan Ministries and Christion Assistance Ministry. She served as an example to all who met her. She was a very strong woman. In her later life, she beat breast cancer and many broken bones due to her active lifestyle.

Shirlyn is preceded in Death by her parents and husband Gary Monroe McKenzie.

She is survived by her sons Scott Gary McKenzie and wife Belynda and Shawn Daniel McKenzie and wife Dora; her siblings George (Skip) Olson and wife Sandy, Larry Olson and wife Claudia, Kathleen Mertzig and husband Dennis, and Gerald Olson and wife Debbie; grandchildren Lauren Stein and husband Matthew, Kristen Pohlen and husband Trenton (TJ), Weston McKenzie, Waylon McKenzie, and Wyatt McKenzie; great grandchildren Bowen, Adeline, and Shepherd Stein.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church of Helotes with the Reverend Dr. Kathi Inglis-Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are by Sunset Northwest Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church of Helotes. The family wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff at Mary’s House, especially Daleyad Lavia “D” and Briana Arend for their love, care and comfort of momma during her last years as well as the staff of Crest Hospice, and Pastors Kathi Inglis-Johnson and Al Jenson for their support, love and care.