Lennan, Shirley

August 12, 1932 ~ April 1, 2023

With hearts full of gratitude and love, we sadly announce the passing of Shirley Ann Lennan on April 1st, 2023 after 90 well-lived and full years of life.

While heartbroken over our loss, we take solace in knowing that Shirley is together again with her beloved husband of 67 years, Butch Lennan (2021).

Shirley was the very proud mom of Lori & Ron Lebel and Lynn & Brad Kemp and the treasured Grandma of Katie Lebel (James), Kelly Lebel (Tom), Olivia Kemp (Simon) and Aidan Kemp (Lauren). Her great-granddaughter Palmer Jane was her pride and joy, and Palmer was unquestionably her GG’s biggest fan.

Shirley is survived by her sister and best friend, Mildred Clifford, and brother, Ed Chapman (Anne) as well as many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by parents Wilfred and Pearl Chapman, and sister Marjorie Morrison. She also leaves behind a collection of close friends, which she counted among her most prized possessions. You all know who you are and how much you meant to her. Shirley was never shy about checking in on her friends. She took an active interest in their lives and was always very intentional about nurturing her relationships. Her phone line was rarely free, her social calendar heavily booked with get togethers–Shirley knew how to have fun!

Shirley was born in Inwood, but always called Mooretown and the St. Clair River home. She liked to travel and go on adventures, but also appreciated the simplicity of floating her summers away in the river, watching the ships pass by from her front window, and taking in the sunsets from her front yard. An avid sports fan, Shirley was a leading authority for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Tigers, rarely missing a game, and she could always be counted on for updates on the Sarnia Sting and Mooretown Flags.

70 years a Canadian nurse, Shirley was a proud SGH grad, class of ’53.  She was the head nurse of the surgical ward at Sarnia General Hospital for many years before transitioning into her role as an Occupational Health nurse at Nova Chemicals, Corunna site. Ever the caregiver, she generously volunteered her time in the Bluewater Health Chemotherapy Clinic for several years following her retirement. She made a difference in the lives of many and was always grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Shirley was widely known for her beautiful smile. She had the unique ability to light up every room she entered, brightening the days of everyone around her. We will so miss her humour, her hugs, and her giggles, but we will float on, just as she taught us to do, forever grateful for the opportunity we all had to call her a friend.

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm, April 6th at STEADMAN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, Brigden. The funeral service will also be streamed live on Zoom by clicking the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84885633107.

Happy Hour (Shirley’s favourite time of the day) will follow at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course, Mooretown from 3-5pm.

The Lennan family would like to thank Dr. Bob Borek, Dr. Pandu Shetty, and Dr. Allison Crombeen, as well as the staff throughout Bluewater Health for the marvelous care they’ve provided over the years. Special thanks also to Brittany of Bayshore Health for her special TLC.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Joseph’s Hospice or St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Mooretown.

We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.

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Condolences (42)

  1. Please accept my sincere condolences Lori, Lynnie-bin-binny, Ron, and Brad, as well as all Grandkids. Such a lovely Eulogy! Well deserved.
    Happy to hear that she’s with Butch. 😁
    I’m thankful to them for wonderful childhood memories. Kindnesses including; Cosmos Pizza, bowling, movies, sleepovers, piercing my and my sisters ears! I have a lifetime of memories, every time I hang an earring…Thank you Mr & Mrs Lennan

  2. Lori and Lynn & your families, we are thinking of you during this time of loss. However, know that your Mom was one very special lady. I loved visiting with her at church whenever we would make it home. She was very often our families go to for medical advice, which was always better than going to the hospital. I am sure you take comfort and knowing that she is now with her Butch.

  3. Sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. Thinking of all her family at this time. From Janie and family.

  4. Lori, Lynn and families,
    So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. There are many fond memories of the visits to the dock and post golf refreshments under the tree. Her smile and hospitality made every visit memorable.

  5. My sincere condolences to all the family. Shirley was kind lady and a very caring person. It was a pleasure to have known both her and Butch. May she rest in peace.

  6. Over the past few days Aunt Noreen and I have been sharing memories of your mom, who was so special to all of us. Her smile was so infectious and she was always interested in what was “going on”. She was a wonderful and very dear friend to Aunt Noreen who will miss her terribly. I will always remember her with admiration on seeing her bounce back from the brink with amazing gumption and a twinkle in her eyes. A remarkable person who will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

  7. Lori and Ron, we are saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing, she was such a beautiful, gracious, warm and caring woman. We always enjoyed being in the company of both your parents, they were truly a wonderful couple. I hope you find solace that they are now reunited.

  8. So sorry to know about the death of Shirley. She was such a kind and loving person . My heart goes out to all her family.
    Sincerely, Suzanne Sutherland

  9. Lori, Ron, Katie and Kelly,
    Sending our condolences on your mom and grandma’s passing. She was such a proud supporter and cheerleader during the Bluewater Otter years and we remember her fondly. Marilyn and Bill Christie and family

  10. Lori, Lynn and families. So sorry to hear of your loss. She will be remembered for her million dollar smile, cheerfulness and kindness. May your treasured memories give you everlasting comfort.

  11. Dear Lori, Lynn and Families,
    We were saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was a very sweet lady and a dear friend to my family. Great memories were made with Shirley and Butch over many years. Sending our sympathies to you all.

  12. Lori and Family – Sharon and I were sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing our Sincere Condolences

  13. Dear Lori. Lynn and families.
    Please accept our sincere condolences.
    Shirley was an amazing woman and a great friend.
    She always looked great and we will forever remember her smile.
    Sincerely Jack & Gitte Monteith

  14. Lori, Lynn and Families,
    So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She was a great lady and a role model as a great nurse for myself and many others. Cherish your memories.
    Sharon(Brown) Murphy

  15. Lori, Lynn, and families,
    Thinking of you an passing on my condolences. Her bright smile is what I remember during my younger days in Mooretown. May your memories help you through this difficult time.

  16. Lori and Family…
    Our hearts are with you in your time of loss. Shirley was a lovely lady. And her smile was very infectious….
    It was always a pleasure chatting with her.
    She will always be your memories and in your heart.
    Mark and Pat Mullen

  17. Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Shirley, Allan remembers the fun lunches he had with her at Wilfred and Pearls. Sincerely Allan and Elaine Cajka

  18. Dear Lori and Lynn.
    We were saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was always cheerful and eager to engage.
    She will be missed by all who knew her.

  19. Dear Lori and Lynn:

    My condolences on your mom’s passing. She was a wonderful person. She was loved by all the Bliss’s

  20. Lori, Lynn and families:
    Sorry to hear of Aunt Shirley’s passing, what a legacy she has left behind. Sending our sympathies to you all and keeping yous in our thoughts.

  21. Condolences from Bob & Marg Scott of Point Edward. Many fun times with Butch and Shirley at Dow functions.

  22. Lori,Lynn and families, our deepest sympathy on the death of your Mom.We have known you all for so long and our friendship means so much, I am only sorry we cannot be with you to hug you and express in person how we feel, but, Jack is not well . Although we haven’t been able to get to church lately your Mom’s smile was always so warm and welcoming. We miss our loved ones greatly but they are always with us in our memories.Jack and Catharine McKenna

  23. Lori,Lynn and families.So sorry to hear of your Mom passing.She was so precious and we enjoyed visiting with her on our walks.Also getting medical advice when our kids were young. She will truly be missed,but Butch will be happy to see her.

  24. My deepest Sympathy and Condolence to Shirley’ family. Her smile was infectious and she will be missed. She was one of my “Medical Contact’s” during Bettee’s recent illness and very much appreciated for that
    Claire

  25. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Lori and Lynn and the entire Lennon family
    Dave and Mary Steadman

  26. Lori and family,
    My deepest sympathies for the loss of your mom.
    Her beautiful legacy lives on in all of you.
    I hope the memories you have of her will help you through this challenging time.
    Sharon

  27. Our sincere condolences to your family at this sad time. I always enjoyed visiting with your mom and dad at the Lennan gatherings. She was a beautiful person
    Neil and Donna May (Lennan) Teskey

  28. Lori and family, My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mom.
    Michele (Triebner)Hunt co-worker SGH ER

  29. Sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom Lori, Lynne and families. Keep your memories close.
    You have written a beautiful tribute and she would be very proud!

  30. Sincerest condolences to your family. Worked with your dad and met mom at sting games. Prayers 🙏

  31. Lori, Lynn and families,

    Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your mom. She was a fantastic lady, full of smiles and definitely loved life. We didn’t see her often but thoroughly enjoyed the Lennan lunches. Both your parents will be missed. You have so many memories to cherish. May God be with you in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. John and Marion Lennan

  32. So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was always a bright light whenever we would meet up. She will certainly be missed.

    Jane Marsh

  33. My heart is grateful for having had the opportunity to stand in her light. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and abundance of ❤️! Thanks for sharing her.

  34. Lori and lynn
    Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.
    She will be missed in Mooretown.
    Sincerely, Joyce Trapp.

  35. I never met Shirley, but have the profound privilege of working with, calling her beautiful daughter Lynn-my friend.
    Shirley-watch over her and the rest of the many people who loved you so.
    We too will hold all of you close to our hearts.
    Michelle Enos

  36. There are no words-my heart is broken-she is with her Butch & no longer has pain-she will forever be in our hearts & prayers-I will cherish our times together-she was a cherished friend-rest in peace Shirley

  37. Lori, Ron, Katie, Kelly and family, So sorry to hear about Shirley’s passing. Sending you all strength, love and light. Hold all those great memories tight. xo

  38. Condolences to Shirley’s family. I knew Shirley through Butch and from working at Petrosar. And from my Aunt Marg and Uncle Glenn. R.I.P
    Mark and Gail Freer

  39. Lori, Ron and families
    My sincere sympathies for your loss. A Mother’s love never ends. I’m sure you have a guardian angel watching over you now.
    My thoughts and prayers to all.
    Best Regards
    Mary Vosburg

  40. Lori and family,,,,so sorry to hear of the death of your dear Mom. I know how you will miss her. My sincere sympathy.

  41. My sympathies to all of Shirley’s family. She was a beautiful Lady. We worked together at both CIL and Nova. Her beautiful smile will be missed.