Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Shirley McConnell
1925 - 2022
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Pat lit a candle
Sunday, May 14, 2023
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Remember Shirley today, as it is the first Mother's Day without her with us in the earthly world.
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Patricia Wong donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Thursday, December 8, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Shirley is always in our hearts.
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Yook Loh uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 21, 2022
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Shirley was my first friend in Canada when Daniel and I emigrated from Malaysia in 1988. Daniel had met Shirley when he was an International student. She was my witness at our wedding at the City of Waterloo and had a reception for us at her Dover Street home after.
I will always remember her kindness and the many Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners at her Dover Street house.
She was a very special person and we will miss her dearly. Our condolence to the McConnell family.
We have made a donation to Alzheimers in her memory.
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Barry Kwong uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 21, 2022
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Like most people who came to know her, I always called her “Shirley.”
I first met her through my high school classmates, classmates who stayed at her place as tenants. Even though they were her tenants, she treated everyone as though they were her own children. She had an open-door policy. Her house was not locked at all: anyone was welcome to drop by any day, any time. With her hospitality towards all students, especially those from Asia, her house became the gathering place for many international students.
She helped many young students get through the hardships of being in a completely new country. Without expecting anything in return, she would lend her car to students to practise driving in order to take the driving test, while she herself would have to walk to work. She drove students all over Ontario looking for universities to which they could apply. She helped them relocate to new towns to start their university lives. I have many fond memories of her taking us travelling to see Canada and North America.
She placed pictures under the glass tabletop of a coffee table in her living room. Her visitors could get updates on the lives of everyone who had passed through her home, just by checking those pictures. The pictures under the coffee table changed over time, from individuals, to couples, to fresh graduates, to newly married couples–sometimes not in that particular order. Eventually came new pictures of the second generation, children of the original international students, and Shirley would always gladly babysit.
The second generation would go on to call her “Auntie Shirley.” Her house was always filled with international students during holidays, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and every year, under her Christmas tree would be the biggest pile of gifts I had ever seen. “This is for Auntie Shirley,” someone would shout. “This is for Auntie Shirley also,” someone would announce. “Another one for Auntie Shirley.”
Shirley selflessly took care of everyone around her with kindness, generosity, and an open heart. She was a special person; she was one in a million. Whether it was as “Shirley” to the first generation or “Auntie Shirley” to the second, she touched the lives of so many people. Our condolences to the McConnell family. She will be missed, but she will always be in our hearts.
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Mary Dunlop posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, October 21, 2022
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Heartfelt condolences to all the family. Shirley was one of my mom's best friends and a bridesmaid in my mom & dad's wedding. I remember hearing the stories of when my mom (Jean), Shirley and Audrey lived together in Arthur as young ladies. I have so many fond memories of Shirley, but, the ones that are dearest to me are of her teaching me to drive while living with her for a year, the joint birthday parties she held for nephew Mitch and I every August, horseback and canoe rides, 2 weeks or more of summer vacations at her house each year, the cats she gave my sister BJ and I from all the litters her mama cats had, the little notes she wrote inside my Christmas cards every year until she was no longer able and picking fresh raspberries for breakfast from the bush in the backyard of the Fountain Street house.
You will be dearly missed 'aunt' Shirley. Rest in peace and love until we meet again.
Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers. xo
Mary Rose (Dunlop)
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Margaret Loong posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
I wrote this story over a decade ago for a class. Hope this helps relive some fond memories.
Christmas at Auntie Shirley’s House
“Margaret, John, wake-up! We’re at Auntie Shirley’s house,” says Dad, pulling up on the steep driveway for us to get down.
The car halts, squeezing the thick, fresh snow deeper under the tires. I look out my window and see a mountainous snow bank blocking my way. Mom gets out first, her tiny feet trudging a path for us. I follow her, taking steps in her deep footprints so I don’t get snow in my shoes. Her small strides make the walk awkward. Just a few steps away, a bright light glows from the chevron-shaped window of the bungalow. The storm door creaks as Mom pulls it open, grasping the handle tightly so the door doesn’t spring back. John turns the knob of the inner door and pushes it open. A burst of light, warmth, and laughter escapes.
“Hey! Hello! Hi! Merry Christmas! How are you? Merry Christmas! Hi!” A marathon of greetings welcomes us. An exploding coat closet tells us we’re late. I breathe in the smell of roasted turkey and stuffing and gravy and honeyed ham and glazed yam and meat balls and mashed potatoes, and my stomach growls as I breathe out. I catch the fresh scent of a real pine Christmas tree, weighed down with the same ornaments and lights from my childhood. Smiles, hugs, and handshakes pass around. The biggest greeting is from the smallest lady.
“Is that Eric and Lily?” Gold-coloured sandals click across the kitchen floor. A light blonde head bounces towards us.
“Hi Auntie Shirley, Merry Christmas!” I exclaim. I receive the signature hug and pat-on-the back combination.
“Where’s Eric?” asks Auntie Shirley, as John and Mom greet her.
“He’s just out parking the car,” says Mom. A loud creak sneaks up behind us as Dad opens the storm door - he is covered in snow, glasses fogged, and face pink.
“Shirley! Merry Christmas!” grins Dad, as he walks over and greets others in the room.
Andrea, Deborah, and Maple jump up from the crowd and find me. Together, we manoeuvre through the groups of people chatting, past the kitchen, into the hall way, and to Auntie Shirley’s lavender bedroom. I add my jacket and bag to the mountain of coats and purses piled up on the bed. We squeeze together, sitting on the edge of the bed that’s not covered by jackets. Our combined weight makes the bed sag into a smile. We tell stories and answer questions that don’t seem to change much over the years.
“Boys are stupid.”
“School is so busy.”
“Boys are stupid.”
“I can’t wait for Boxing Day!”
“Boys are stupid.”
The sound of the turkey carver buzzing strikes our attention. Andrea, Deborah, Maple and I leave the lavender room, through the hallway, and back into the kitchen to see the delicious meal being setup. A vibrant collage of food covers the white wooden table, forcing the cutlery, plates and napkins to occupy the matching white wooden chairs. It’s even hard to see the tiled floor with so many people standing in the kitchen. Cantonese sentences mixed with English words echo through the kitchen. Grandma Leung and Grandma Yam look like sisters, both with silver hair, fancy China-style sweaters, and small feet dangling from the bench in the kitchen. I stand in line with Andrea and Deborah in front, and Maple behind. While waiting in line, the shaved turkey bits from the side counter taunt us. We discreetly pick a bite-sized piece and place it in our mouth before anyone notices. John looks like he’s going to tell Mom, but then does the same. Plates are passed one by one to the end of the line. A camera flash makes me jump; I know Dad is close.
“You kids just help yourselves to as much as you can eat. I’ve got peas and corn on the stove and more deserts in the fridge,” says Auntie Shirley. Her hands look worn from all the cooking she’s done, and there’s a gravy stain on her Christmas vest. Auntie Shirley’s blue eyes radiate happiness as she adds more food to the table.
Andrea passes a fork to me, and I hold it under my plate as I begin to scoop the sweet mushy glazed yam, boiled peas, and cranberry sauce. The browned, carved turkey piles high on the oval plate. I use my fork to stab a few slices and dip them into the gooey gravy. My stomach leaps. A slice of bright, red cherry cheesecake calls my name. A visit to Auntie Shirley’s is never complete without a taste of cherry cheesecake.
After we fill our plates, Andrea, Deborah, Maple and I carefully walk to the living room and sit by the old wooden coffee table. Deborah and I squeeze together on the blue couch with our plates on our laps. Andrea and Maple kneel on the orangey carpet, placing their plates on the table. Our growth spurts have promoted us from sitting around the coffee table. As I eat, I stare at the cracked coffee table glass covering photographs collected over the years. Was it really that cool to have your hair permed? I shudder at the thought of Dad bringing that hairstyle back. I follow the pictures along the edge and see John stand proudly in diapers with a Superman cape, baby Andrea and baby Deborah crawl on the lawn. My geeky grade eight graduation picture, and Mom and Dad posing with their first snowman in Canada.
I refocus on the group of people happily feasting in the living room. They are the present-day versions of the pictures from the coffee table. My parents look old, wrinkles gather at the corner of their eyes and mouth. John ties the laces of his size 9 shoes. I study Auntie Shirley carefully. She looks the same now and she did in the pictures under the glass.
I look down at my empty plate and loosen my belt. Time for some of Auntie Shirley’s cherry cheesecake.
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Regina and Patricia Wong & families donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Sunday, October 16, 2022
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Pat uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 16, 2022
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Our deepest condolences to Shirley’s family. We are two sisters, Regina and Patricia. We knew Shirley through our high school classmates who were tenants of Shirley. We stayed in her house for a summer when we were transitioning from high school to university. Though we only stayed there for a short period, we recall how she helped us moving. It was amazing how many items she could fit into her car.
Her hospitality and willingness to help everyone around her expanded our relationship beyond landlady and tenants. The bright glow of our early friendship lasted 30+ years. For many years, we exchanged Christmas cards/gifts. Her Christmas cards were always full of updates of her busy life even after she retired. On our last visitation with Shirley in this August 2022, she was in good spirits, and we had a relaxing chat.
Dear Shirley, it's sad to see you go, but as we reminisce, you have lived a wonderful life and have touched many people’s lives, like ours. Your cheerful voice, your love of Sudoku and 1000-piece puzzles, your love of many small animals (won’t forget the birds, cats, and bunnies in your house), your speed walking that we sometimes couldn’t keep up with, your many travel experiences, your post office stories, your Christmas dinners…our list could go on for another page.
Thank you, Shirley. We will remember you in our prayers!
From Regina Wong & family (Hong Kong) and Patricia Wong & family (Toronto)
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Sonnie Thalychanh pledged to donate to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY WATERLOO WELLINGTON
Sunday, October 16, 2022
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Dan Lam posted a condolence
Saturday, October 15, 2022
We, Fong, Vicky, Teh, Song, Swee Peng, Swee Kim and Swee Kean from Malaysia and Singapore have many fond memories of Shriley. Her kindness and good heart will always be remembered by all the international students who knew her well.
We are sending you our condolences with our heavy heart. We have made a donation to Alzheimers in her memory.
Gone from sight, but never from our hearts.
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Rose Soong posted a condolence
Friday, October 14, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and friends of Shirley….
Thank you Shirley for the kindness and the many good deeds shown to my family and many more countless people in the community,
This is how to describe your heroic works:
- (S): Self sacrificing, selflessness
- (H): Heroic, humble
- (I) : Inspiring
- (R): Reliable always
- (L): Loving, a lifesaver
- (E): Extraordinary, empathetic
- (Y): Young at heart and energetic
We will miss you dearly. Until we all meet again,
May your soul Rest in God’s Eternal Love and Peace+
Eternally Grateful,
With Love from :
The Soong Family(Rose, Eddie,Stephanie,Clarissa) and The Mendoza Family)Lourdes ,Yolanda)
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Fred and Dorothy DeCator posted a condolence
Friday, October 14, 2022
Our condolences to the McConnel and extended families that were all so special to Shirley on her passing. She was a remarkable woman with great strength. Her love knew no bounds regardless of who you were. She will be missed by many, but she is now at peace and we are sure having quite the reunion with loved ones who have gone before her. 97 years which she used very well and helped a lot of folks along the way. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With our love Dorothy and Fred
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Maxine Kelly Posted Oct 15, 2022 at 1:09 PM
My condolences to the McConnell family for the loss of Shirley. She was a caring person, taking in so many people who needed her. To think, with the death of her parents, she raised her brothers to be strong, upstanding men who all loved her. 97 years is a very long life and I know her family will miss her. Such happy memories.
Love, Maxine Kelly
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The family of Shirley McConnell uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 13, 2022
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