“The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched ~ they must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Malo on Friday January 5,2024 at the age of 85 surrounded by her loving children. Shirley was born on June 9,1938 in Russell, Manitoba to Howard and Catherine Kennedy. She lost her mother at the young age of eleven and they would move to Fort William, ON to be close to family. She was lucky to have her grandmother, Catherine McManus to help Howard raise her and her sisters to be the wonderful women they would become.
She began her education in Fort William at St Martins School and then attended Fort William Vocational Collegiate Institute. Upon graduation she accepted a job at Gamble Robinson where she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Malo. Dad would often joke that “I met your mother while she was unloading boxcars.”
Shirley went on to have five children to whom she devoted her time for the next twenty years. Once her youngest Jen was able to fend for herself, Shirley went back to work, first at Eaton’s Department Store, then St Joseph’s Foundation. She worked alongside her sister Sharron at the foundation in the fundraising department for nineteen years. She was instrumental in raising countless dollars that helped build Hogarth Riverview Manor, where she would spend her last years being so well taken care of.
Shirley had a great love of music and enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the St Agnes Church Choir since 1958 and was a lifetime member of The Lakehead Choral Group. Upon retirement she would spend her time enjoying her family, reading, music and volunteering. The charity closest to her heart was the Christmas Cheer Fund. It was understood if you were “voluntold” to do something for Christmas Cheer in our family, you did it.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her sisters Linda Poulsen (Lowell) and Sharron Owen- and her children Janice Brescacin(David), Jimmy Malo (Wendy), Rob Malo (Claudia) and Jennifer Kunnas (Shawn). Shirley was blessed with eight beautiful granddaughters who will miss her terribly. Lauren Brescacin (Chris), Michelle Huth (Jeremy), Juliana Andrushuk (Aaron), Kirsten Malo (Alex), Lexi Malo (Mich) and Michaela, Molly and Mara Kunnas; along with Kevin Carolan and Cole Carolan (Faith).
She will also be missed by her four great grandchildren Xander, Jasmine, Mason and Kohen. Shirley was predeceased by her parents Howard and Catherine Kennedy, her husband Richard, son David Malo and daughter in law Lucy Malo, and her sister Sheila Dakin and brother-in-law Ron Dakin.
A special heartfelt thank you to all the care received, first at Chartwell Isabella, then Hogarth Riverview Manor. To all the nurses, PSW’s and especially Dr Garon, for their excellent care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations to St Joseph’s Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Cremation has taken place, and a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, when family and friends will gather for funeral mass beginning at 12:10 pm in St. Agnes R.C. Church, celebrated by Rev. James Panikulam. A private interment to follow. A live stream of the service can be found at www.facebook.com/stagnesrc
Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street South. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
