The Family
Our deepest sympathies to all of Shirley’s loved ones.
Shirley Connolly (O’Grady)
1935- 2021
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley Catherine Connolly (O’Grady). Predeceased by her husband Con, daughter Mary, son Kelly and by her parents, MJ and Nellie O’Grady, and her brothers Terry and Frank. Left to mourn her passing are her children; Cathy Wendorf (John), Martin (Maxine), Colleen Guertin (Don), Paddi, Cheryl Wojtus (Ken), and Kevin (Patti).
Mom leaves behind her brother Brian and her sister Sheila Longo (Dino). She had 16 grandchildren, whom she was especially proud of; Katrina and Ryan, Marcus and Marissa, Alexandria and Katelyn, Leanna, Richard, Kayla and Justice, Shea and Maddison, Megan, Samantha, Sarah, and Mitchell.
She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren. Mom was born on June 21, 1935, in Charlton (Savard Township). She was the eldest of 5 children. The greatest joy in her life was her family. She had an unshakeable faith that helped her through many hardships in her life. She always said that if she had her life to live over, she would not change a thing. She loved a good party and stayed until the end as she was always afraid that she might miss something. Shirley was a proud and long-standing member of the Catholic Woman’s League.
Mom’s passing will leave a huge void in so many lives. We take comfort in knowing that she is in heaven in the arms of all of the loved ones that went before her.
Until we meet again
A light from our lives has gone
A voice we loved is still
A place is vacant within our hearts, which never can be filled
A bouquet of beautiful memories sprayed with a million tears
I wish God would have spared you if just for a few more years
We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain
To walk with us through our lives until we meet again
So rest in peace and thanks for all you have done
We pray that God has given you the crown you have truly won
Your vacant place no one can fill
We miss you now and always will
There will be a private family service.
Donations:
Holy Name of Jesus Parish
39 Kirkland Street
Kirkland Lake, ON
P2N 2G3
Timiskaming Hospice Palliative Care
145 Government Rd East
Kirkland Lake, ON
P2N 3P4
Our deepest sympathies to all of Shirley’s loved ones.
So very sorry for your loss. Heartfelt condolences to all Shirley's Family. Shirley was a wonderful Lady.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. Thinking of you all with love.
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing Colleen. Wishing you all my deepest condoleances. Mes plus sincères sympathies.
My sincere condolences to you all,my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May the strength that your Mom lived by be the strength that helps you through this time of loss. Let the love she had for you fill your hearts
So very sorry for your loss.Rest in peace Shirley xo
So saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. Sincere condolences to all her loved ones at this difficult time. May she Rest In Peace!
Lina and John Maille
My condolences to family are prayers are with you all
We are so sorry to hear that Shirley passed away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. God Bless.
So sorry to hear of the passing of the family matriarch. Her strong faith and abundant patience served her well through a life well lived. May God bless all of you as you celebrate her life!
So very sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was a very special lady.
May she rest in peace.
Diane &Trina Welch
My sincere condolences to Shirley's many loved ones. May she Rest in Peace with the members of her family who predeceased her. Shirley will be missed by many. My prayers to all of you.
We were so sad to hear of Shirley passing, she was the nicest person I have ever met. RIP Shirley ❤️❤️
My sincere sympathy to all members of Shirley’s family. I am so saddened to hear of her passing. She will be sorely missed.
Aunt Shirley was an amazingly resilient woman, and a great example of a life lived with faith and joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So very sorry to hear of Shirley's passing she was a wonderful person with such a big heart such a good kind friend to pat lacarte rest in peace you will certainly be remembered.
Our deepest condolences to you all. Shirley was a lovely lady. Heaven has gained a precious angel.
So sorry for your loss. Shirley will be missed. Lots of hugs to all
Heartfelt sympathies to the Family at this very sad and difficult time....Shirl was a very Special person and will be missed by all who knew and loved her....so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Shirley was such a special person, certainly she will be missed by all that knew her.
So very sadened to hear of Shirley's passing. You are all in our hearts & prayers.
Rest in Peace Shirley.
My deepest sympathy in the passing of your mum. I have some lovely memories of visiting with Maryanne for various family events! I know she will be dearly missed by you all!
Condolences to Shirley’s children, grand and great grandchildren. I worked with Shirley at Dominion. She always had a sweet smile. She will surely be missed.
Claudette Desjardins Guilbeault.
So sad to hear of your mom s passing...she had the nicest smile every time u saw her...she will be missed...
Such a great loss, your mom was a strong woman of faith and she lead by example; she was supportive, patient, a defender, very loving and fun. Her kindness, compassion, goodness and spirit will live on through her family that she leaves behind. Thinking of all of you during this very difficult time.
Our sincerest condolences.
I am truly so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all. Sending love your way.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Shirley was one of a kind!
There has to be a special place in heaven for her! She really will be missed, a huge loss to the family.
Pat & Lorraine
So very sorry that Shirley has passed away. She was a lovely person, raised a beautiful family and was so strong in her faith. Shirley will be missed by all who knew her.
Our deepest sympathy to the whole family, SHIRLEY was the most beautiful person we have meet, always a smile and words no matter where she was. She will be always be
remembered.
NICK and THERESA Sangiuliano and family
So very sorry for your loss. Condolences to Mrs. Connolly's family and all who loved her
So very sorry for your loss of a wonderful woman. May all of your memories comfort you ❤️
Colleen, I am so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My deepest sympathy to all your family during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences for your loss of a beautiful woman. She always had such a nice smile, and pleasant outlook. Heaven has another angel, may she RIP. May you be given the strength to get through this loss, and rejoice in the good memories of her.
We would like to extend our condolences to all on your loss. Shirley was truly a wonderful lady and it was always fun to be in her company. She will be missed.
So very sad to hear of Shirley’s passing. She will be missed. Thoughts & prayers to you all. Sending my deepest sympathies
Please, be assured of my prayers. With sympathy.
Fr. Wayne
So very sorry to hear of the recent loss of your Mother. Such a devastating loss for you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this most difficult time.
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Shirley.
Im so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She always had time for a chat and her and Phil would take a walk down memory lane, sharing news on all the relatives! She always enjoyed a story along with a good laugh!
Shirley will be missed and not forgotten. Sending much love to the family.
Gladys Heneberry
Rest In Peace Shirley . Such a joy to have known you . My heartfelt condolences to all the family from ours.
She was truly an angel on earth.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom who was a special lady with that infectious smile, our sincere heartfelt condolences and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time...Rest in Peace Shirley
Joe and Tanja
My deepest condolences to your family.
Shirley was family, but over the years we also became really good friends. We would share our many joys and also our trials and tribulations. Shirley always laughed and said we could write a book and we certainly had a lot of material, considering there were 15 children between the two of us. I'm going to miss our entertaining chats on the phone, her laughter and I will never forget our own little story - as loyal friends and lifelong supporters of each other.
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Connolly family.
Love aunt Maureen
Sincere condolences
Sending our love and support
Brigitte & Gord
Deepest condolences to the family on the loss of your Mom,, thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time!!
Deepest condolences to the whole family. Mrs. Connolly always greeted me with the warmest smile and kind words. And her great family is a testament to who she was and I know what a void she leaves.
You will all be in the thoughts and prayers of myself and the rest of the Whelans.
God bless.
Aunt Shirley’s warmth, humour and laughter were amplified by those twinkling blue eyes and that glorious smile. She was the epitome of strength, patience, compassion, faith and grace. I only wished life would have allowed more opportunities to spend time with such a positive, thoughtful and giving soul.
Sending love and prayers to the entire Connolly family as you somehow go forward without Aunt Shirley’s radiant light.
Sending big hugs of love and support.....Aunt Shirley was a special woman who will always be remembered.....keep your memories close and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Aunt Shirley. We are thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Please accept our sympathy on the passing of your mom. Always a kind word and a smile that stayed with you. May she Rest In Peace. Jan & Ray Viskovich
Many happy memories over many years shared with my Aunt Shirley and Family. Thanking her for her many kindnesses. To her beauty and grace also. She’s sharing Heaven with God and Family now. Love from Maryanne❤️
Please accept our prayers on the loss of your great mom. A true joy to know.
Shirley will be missed dearly . She always had such a wonderful smile. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Sincere condolences for your loss.
Rest In Peace.
***
Many fond memories from Third Street.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Let your cherished memories of mom get you all thru this difficult time.
Your mom had the best smile.
Sending hugs!
Lynda Peters(Surtees)
Our heartfelt sympathies to Cathy & John, Martin & Maxine, Colleen & Don, Paddi, Cheryl & Ken, Kevin & Patti and all your Mom's grandchildren and great grandchildren on the loss of your very special Mom.
We have so many fond memories of Aunt Shirley and will always remember her for her infectious laugh and smile. We had so many laughs when getting together at the cottage with Aunt Shirley and her whole Gang.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time and we love you all.
Please keep taking good care.
Laurie & Ken Wood & Family XOXOXOXO
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your Sweetheart of a Mom. She always had a sparkling smile and was such a beautiful person...inside and out. I know that she and my Mom are having a ball right now! Best Friends Forever together again. Treasure all your wonderful memories.. she will always be with you❤️ Big warm hugs to all of you.
I cannot express how saddened I am at Shirley's passing. She was my model of strength in hardship, and of laughter and faith. Her solution for all problems was to "pray on it". Her total dependence on God - and Mary - is forever etched in my heart. And I will remember especially how she loved a good joke. You will be greatly missed, dearest Shirley.
Pierrette and the girls
Our sincere condolence on the passing of your dear mom from your neighbours Gloria and Willie Semple
Con and Shirley were a big part of the Elliot Lake Connolly's lives over many years. Multiple summers spent in Kirkland Lake visiting with aunts, uncles and cousins. Always a welcoming smile. Our deepest condolences.
Andy and I send out deepest sympathies to you and your family
Andy & Sharon Quenneville
Paul and I are so sorry to hear the loss of your mother/mother-in-law Colleen and Don and to Alexandria and Katelyn your grandmother. Mrs. Connolly was a beautiful soul inside and out! She had a heart of gold and anyone who met her, would feel the compassionate type of woman she was... She was such a caring person and was very obvious with how she took such great care of her family. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our sincere condolences and we continue to keep you and your families in our thoughts and prayers especially at this very difficult time❤️
Our deepest sympathies - Shirley was a beautiful person.
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I have many happy memories of her family in Kirkland Lake. It was great to be able to chat with Shirley at the Kirkland Lake reunion and visit with so many of her family. My parents often spoke of Shirley and Con and their family with much affection when I was a child. My dad drove the family to their wedding in his yellow school bus. Shirley will be missed by all of us.
My sincerest sympathies. Shirley Connolly and I shared a name for the past 48 years after I married her nephew (and cousin), Tom. I became “the other” Shirley Connolly in the Connolly family in 1972. Over the years, as I got to know Aunt Shirley, I saw that she was such a very special person, beautiful inside and out. I was proud to share a name with her and have her as family and a friend. She brightened up the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her with her big smile, her sparkling eyes, her love of others, and her joy of life. I am so thankful for the years she was in my life. My condolences and love to her family from (the other) Shirley Connolly.
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a lovely lady.
Deepest sympathy to all of you.
Hélène and Don
Although I don’t think I ever had the pleasure of meeting your mom (my first cousin), I want to offer my sincerest condolences to her family. I am very grateful to have connected with Shirley’s daughter, Cathy via Facebook a few years ago and have truly enjoyed seeing pictures of your mom (who always looked amazing!) and hearing about my KL relatives. Be assured of my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Margaret (Peggie O’Grady) Wickware, London UK
Words can not express my sincere deepest sympathy to the Connolly Family!
She will be missed!
Rest In Peace Shirley I will miss you so so much!
Sure going to miss you little lady! Such a wonderful person
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Shirley. Shirley was a true gem, always smiling and so caring. May the memories you cherish help you through these difficult times. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Even though I didn’t know Shirley much as a child (we lived far away from the North), when I came to visit as a man, Shirley welcomed me as though I was her most precious relative. She accepted family for who they were and loved them as they were. Along with her husband Con, she opened the North to me and introduced me to my extended family. She was generous, kind, patient, and loving. Ever year when I came to Kirkland Lake, the first place I stopped was to see Aunt Shirley. I will never forget how she treated me, she is an example to us all about the proper way to behave. My deepest condolences to the Connolly family.
The greatest thing I remember about this dear lady is her sense of humour and her smile! We didn’t have the opportunity to talk often but when we did, I thoroughly enjoyed her funny and interesting stories. My deepest condolences.
Very sorry to hear of cousin Shirley's passing. I have many good memories of family times in Kirkland Lake.
Sincere Condolences to Shirley's family. Our baby sitters! Shirley had a great spirit and will be fondley remembered by all who knew her.
God bless you all!
Dave & Leona Sylvester and family.
Sincere condolences, Shirley was a wonderful woman. I worked briefly with her at the Dominion Store. Always pleasant to everyone.
Deepest sympathy to all the family beautiful lady & hard worker God Bless Ken & Donna Warren rest in peace dear lady
My deepest sympathy in your loss. Shirley was truly one of the nicest persons I have known over the years. She always seemed to have a bright outlook on life which transferred to all around her, she will definitely be missed.
We were so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was such
a wonderful person. She will be missed. Our thoughts are
with you all.
I am so sorry to read about the loss of your lovely mother. Although I didn't know her personally, I remember her attending to Mass every Sunday and her being an active part in the Holy Name Of Jesus Parish; vis - a - vis, the Catholic Women's League. My heart goes out to both of you and all of your family at this difficult and painful time.