SHIRLEY HILDA KELLY

Just under two months shy of her 91st birthday, Shirley passed away at her home, Calvary Place Personal Care Home. 

Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband and best friend Henry Kelly, daughter Lynn Kelly, daughter Janet Best (nee Kelly), and grandson Clayton Kelly. To mourn her passing, she leaves behind her children: Paul (Marlene), Mark (Debbie), John, and Anne Vestur (nee Kelly); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family in the UK. Long known for her community leadership and activism, Shirley had cultivated dear friends in West Kildonan, Winnipeg, Canada, the UK and beyond.

Born in greater London, she grew up amid the sirens and struggles, and the chaos and catastrophe of the London Blitz. Despite such hardships, despite not always knowing the safety of her parents and siblings, at a young age she learned resilience through wartime rations and witnessed both family and community unite in crisis.

In 1954, she married Henry, the love of her life, a young man introduced to her by her father some years earlier.  Seeking a brighter future, the new couple lived with Shirley’s parents, welcomed their first son the following year, saving where they could to eventually pack up their lives and young family in August 1957, and embarked on a journey to Canada for a new beginning, and the opportunity for a large family.

Upon arriving in Winnipeg, they were welcomed by Shirley’s war bride Aunt and Swedish-Canadian Uncle, Lil and Tom. With the support of family Shirley and Henry welcomed their 2nd son in November 1957; twin daughters in August 1959; a 3rd daughter in March 1963; and a 3rd son in February 1968.

Shaped by the solidarity she witnessed during the war and the lean years of post-war recovery, she carried a profound sense of duty into her adopted home. She dedicated her life to Winnipeg’s North End and West Kildonan areas by giving back tirelessly. 

Whether volunteering her time or advocating for community members in need, she believed deeply that every person deserved care, dignity, support and opportunity.

With other women In the 1960s, she picketed the Canadian military to allow female cadettes to participate in training and community service. She was recognized by the armory for her community contributions in 1971.  In partnership with other women in the North End / West Kildonan areas, their efforts paved the way for nationwide history when the Canadian government amended the National Defence Act in 1975 by changing the word “boys” to “persons” officially allowing girls to enroll as full participants in the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadets in 1976.

Starting in the 1970s, she was not only the Brown Owl for West Kildonan’s Brownies, but she helped coordinate additional Brownie Troupes in the North End of Winnipeg. 

She worked and volunteered at the West Kildonan Community Centre doing everything from ice skating to hockey scheduling during the winter, to playground activities and being the outdoor lifeguard for the wading pool during the summer months.  

In the mid 70s Shirley started the work of handling interdepartmental hospital accounts at the main entrance of the Health Sciences Centre of Winnipeg.  It wasn’t long before Shirley was known for going above and beyond her role to assist and reassure people in the sometimes-stressful environment.

Shirley was not only a pillar of the community, but she was the foundation for her continuously growing family, from sponsoring her father to come to Canada, to supporting and encouraging her children and their families. In 1997 her true love and partner passed away.  Shirley continued to work and retired in 2000.  With encouragement from family and her close friends Dina and Ian, and Diane and Carl, she soon reengaged by volunteering with the Women’s Auxiliary at the Main Street Legion at Hatrford Avenue, and by further pursuing leisure sports such as bowling.

As often happens, the daily demands of life became more challenging, and in the summer of 2021, Shirley moved into Calvary Place Personal Care Home. Thank you to all that supported Shirley in her later years: Dr. George Ishak, the Homecare Workers of Seven Oaks, the staff at Calvary Place Personal Care Home, and those who would visit her to share a laugh, a hug, and a proper cup of tea.

A cremation has taken place. A private family service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s name to The Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, and/or The Royal Canadian Legion, West Kildonan Branch.

Shirley leaves her loving children, grandchildren, and community a legacy of quiet, compassionate strength with purpose. Her impact will endure for generations.  Most significantly, she is reunited with her beloved husband and true love, Henry. 

It’s time for them to put the kettle on and, together, enjoy a cup of tea.

Loyalty

By Gloria Storm, Nosmo King, and Ernest Longstaffe (1937)

Never believe the worst of a man

When once you have seen his best.

Of all the loyalty worth the name

This is the surest test.

Gossip is ready at every turn ~

Your faith and trust to slay,

But the loyal soul is deaf to doubt

Whatever the world may say.

Whatever you hear on others’ lips,

Don’t let it soil your own ~

Let your faith still stronger be

While the seed of slander is sown.

Keep an image before your eyes

Of the friend who’s a friend to you,

And stand by that friend through thick and thin

Whatever the world may do.

Never believe the worst of a man

When your own soul sees the best.

All that matters is what you know ~

Not what the others have guessed.

And if all that you know is straight and fine

And has brought you friendship’s joys,

Be proud to treasure the truth that’s yours

Whatever the world destroys.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​