Shirley Minnie Clara Penney (nee Gillam)

Shirley Minnie Clara Penney (nee Gillam) unexpectedly left this earth to be with her beloved husband Augustus on March 5th, 2022, at the age of 82.  Shirley was born to Aubrey and Florence (Peggy) Gilliam of Irishtown on August 9th, 1939.

She married the love of her life, Augustus, on January 28th, 1957, and they were blessed to have enjoyed 64 years together.  Her children Terry (Mona), Rod (Val), Greg (Roxanne), Phillip (Nikki), and Shelley Esposto (Benny) meant everything to her.  One of her biggest joys as well was enjoying the company of her 10 grandchildren, Toby, Michaela, Ashley, Matthew, Jessica, Brandee, Krisdee, Kala, Sara and Lilly and her 15 great grandchildren.

Also holding a special place in her heart were her sisters Chloe (Late Bernie Young), Judy (Eric), Muriel (Late Malcolm Tucker), Daisy (Ricky), her brothers, Eugene (Marilyn), Randy (Marie), sister-in-law, Verna (Late Roddy Kennedy) and her many nieces and nephews.  Her greatest heartbreak in life were the deaths of her husband, Gus, her son, Terry and her grandson, Scott.

If anyone knew Shirley, they would agree that nobody ever left her table without a belly stuffed from her delicious concoctions and a heart filled with laughter as she was a well versed and an animated storyteller who adored the sound of others chuckling upon lending ear to her many tales.

She was a lover of the arts and during times of leisure she would take pleasure in singing, listening to music, reading as well as creatively writing anything from story writing, prose, to poetry.

She liked to have fun whether it be a game of cards, throwing a few darts, or even having a good ol’ scuff on the dance floor, many times being the last to leave the dance floor.

Shirley along with Gus thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors and spent many years camping, soaking a fishing line in the waters of Quigley’s Pond, and berry picking in the most elusive spots with many friends and family. Together they created memories that they greatly cherished throughout their travels over the years.

As her children and grandchildren can attest, she would not hesitate when a little one requested to learn a new task; she would gladly roll up her sleeves and show them what she knew.  Shirley was creative, innovative, and resourceful and had a unique ability to find ways to make a lot from a little, whether it be a meal or even a sewing project that turned one coat into two.

Shirley was simply full of spontaneity and surprises. She was very much a forward thinker who accepted and supported all. She felt deeply for her family and friends as well as the many acquaintances who upon meeting her formed friendships that would last forever. It mattered not what were your successes, challenges, hardships, or differences, she welcomed you with open arms and supported you in your every endeavor.

In the family home hung a poem entitled “Desiderata” that Shirley would often take moments to enjoy.  It read:

“Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. 

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. 

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. 

And whether it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy!” 

As per her wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of her love for family and friends will take place at a later date.