Shirley Manette Kay

Mrs. Shirley Manette Kay, daughter of the late Henny and Harry Manette, was born November 6, 1933, in Schumacher, Ontario, Canada. She attended boarding school and later achieved a nursing degree. Shirley worked St. Josephs Hospital in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, as an X-Ray technician and met and married her husband of 37 years, Michael Kay in 1956. Shirley and Mike moved to Houston, TX to launch their life together. In Houston, Shirley worked for 30 years as Office Manager for Dr. William Palm, an accomplished Houston physician and surgeon. She was a trusted partner with Dr. Palm as he built a successful medical practice.

Mike and Shirley shared 4 daughters and enjoyed an active life with many fun activities. They loved ballroom dancing, going to auctions, collecting Asian furniture and art, shopping,and dining out. A great night out for Mike and Shirley was an evening at the Petroleum Club, complete with ballroom dancing. They would be dressed to the 9’s and made an elegant couple. Shirley loved adventures and travel. She treasured her trips to visit friends and family in Alaska, Florida, California, Hawaii, Mexico and especially Canada. In her 70’s and early 80’s she traveled the country with Debbie Monk in straight trucks presenting and delivering retail art to major retailers. Shirley was a friend to many who she deeply loved and cared for. Blessed with a generous spirit and an easy-to-talk-to personality, Shirley touched many lives and was loved by all. She was very fond of her neighbors in Braeburn Valley (Houston). The family appreciates the care and kinship of this neighborhood who helped richen Shirley’s final chapter.

Shirley gently departed this life on Friday morning, June 13, 2025, at her home of 60 years. We are eternally thankful that we were blessed to have this beautiful soul in our lives to provide guidance, care, support, love, and a sympathetic ear. She was preceded in death by husband Michael Kay and brothers Richard and Bobby.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children , Dr. Melodie Wallace of San Antonio, Texas (and her husband, Jim), Tammie Erickson of Houston, Texas (and her husband, Phil), Shelly Julich of Angleton, Texas (and her husband Todd), Heather Kay of Petaluma, California; her step-son Warren Jacobs (and his wife Karen); her step-daughter L’Nell Corriveau (and her husband, Andre); her grandchildren Dr. Lyssa Odette (and her husband Justin), Leah Wallace, Jennifer Erickson, Garrett Erickson, Mark Erickson, Ashley Dowty, Jordan Julich, Ashley Fitzjarrald ( and her husband, Auston), Haley Kay, Jessica Parlett, McKenna Apolinar ( and her husband , Josiah), Dillon Kay, Erin Bouley (and her husband, Darryl), Mark Jacobs (and his wife Gabrielle), Amy Coates (and her husband, John), Robert Corriveau (and his wife, Rosalie), Michael Corriveau (and his wife ,Kimberly), Krystina Corriveau, the late James Corriveau (survived by his wife); her great grandchildren, Rubi Odette, Rosie Odette, Richard Odette, Savanah Fitzjarrald, Wyatt Fitzjarrald, Damian Centeno, Helena Centeno, Elowyn Apolinar, Lucas Boulley, Peyton Boulley, Charlotte Jacobs, Christopher Jacobs, Ella Coates, Rakira Corriveau, Rathan Corriveau, Rylan Corriveau, Logan Corriveau, Gavin Corriveau, Isabella Corriveau, Zachary Corriveau, Andreas Corriveau, and George Corriveau.

A visitation is from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday, July 6th at Earthman Bellaire followed by a funeral service at 11:30AM. A graveside is set for 12:30 PM at Emanu El Memorial Park Cemetery, 8341 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074.