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In memory of
Estelle Marie Shirley
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Estelle's obituary
Estelle Marie (Kennelly) Shirley was born on August 16, 1930 in Bismarck, ND to parents Roy and Helen (Breen) Kennelly. She had a charmed youth shared with siblings Royann, Breen and Helene. Estelle played the marimba at various events, including halftime entertainment at high school ball games. She went to Saint Catherine University in St. Paul, MN earning a degree in dietetics.
As a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding, Estelle met and fell in love with Don, one of the groomsmen. In 1954 she married Donald Jerome Shirley from Arnegard, ND, where they resided for the next eight years. Estelle and her husband owned the general store, above which they lived in a modest apartment. Estelle’s first four children, Marie, Tom, Pamela and Patricia were born in Arnegard.
In 1962 they moved to Great Falls where they opened a gift shop, The Curiosity Shop, in the Holiday Village Mall. Estelle and Don were blessed with two more children in Great Falls, Paul and John. Estelle’s husband died of cancer at the young age of 50 in 1975. Estelle continued on with running the store and raising her family like a superhero. Her sons Tom and John were a tremendous help with the store.
Estelle loved nature and the outdoors, and she was an avid birder. In earlier years Estelle loved traveling and playing tennis. In retirement she discovered a talent for painting in a decorative style on wooden objects. She also enjoyed playing Rummikub, working jigsaw puzzles and reading.
In 1992 Estelle moved to Chandler, AZ where she actively enjoyed living in Sun Bird, a retirement community. In 2018 she made her final move to The Garnet in Casa Grande, AZ to be near her twins, Patti and Pam. After taking a fall, Estelle passed away on April 6th, 2019, at the age of 88.
Estelle’s world revolved around her six children and their families. She led an exemplary Christian life and will always be remembered for her kindness and humility. She is now reunited in death with her husband, siblings and parents. Estelle is survived by her six children, eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
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Created with love by
Tom Shirley.
