Obituary of Shirley Jeanne Finnegan

August 14, 1928 - Edgerton, Alberta

April 7, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Shirley Jeanne Finnegan, beloved resident of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the age of 95 years. Born on August 14, 1928, in Edgerton, AB, she was the daughter of Samuel and Elsie Strayer (nee Malidore).

Shirley’s family relocated from Edgerton to Ethel Lake, AB, where she attended school. Later, she worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company in Cold Lake, AB, and Churchill, MB. Eventually, she settled in Edmonton, AB, where she pursued a successful career in insurance as an office administrator. It was during this time that she met and married her devoted husband, Harry Finnegan, on September 16, 1961. The couple then moved to Calgary, AB, where they built a life together and raised their family. Shirley worked as an office administrator in both Land Services and Health Care in Calgary, AB.

Shirley’s commitment to community service remained unwavering. She volunteered her time coaching community softball, supporting local schools, and coordinating efforts for the Cancer Society and Heart Foundation as well as many other charities. Her willingness to lend a hand left a lasting impact on those around her.

Sports played a significant role in Shirley's life. She cheered for the Toronto Blue Jays, followed curling events, and passionately supported her beloved Edmonton Eskimos (now Elks). Whether it was picking berries, fishing, or assisting with the inevitable fish fries, Shirley embraced life's simple pleasures.

Her green thumb was legendary. Shirley's garden flourished under her care, and she found solace among the blooms and plentiful vegetables. Bridge and other card games were her favourite pastimes, and she excelled at all.

Beyond knitting garments for her family, Shirley knit caps for premature babies, which she donated to the local hospitals. Her tiny, hand-knit caps provided warmth and comfort to the tiniest members of the community.

As a gracious host and skilled cook, Shirley welcomed visitors with open arms. Conversations flowed freely, and her warm spirit made every meal memorable.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband Harry, her two daughters, Adele (Ken) Horovatin and Ardith Finnegan (Terry Henderson); her grandsons, Sam (Amy) Horovatin of Saskatoon, SK, and Ben Horovatin of Toronto, ON; along with granddaughters, Emma and Kate Henderson will forever cherish her memory. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Mabel Strayer, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Elsie Strayer, as well as her siblings, Doris Duckett, Robert (Bob) Strayer, and Kathleen (Kay) McGinn.

In accordance with her wishes, no funeral will be held. Instead, we invite you to share your condolences, memories, and photos with Shirley's family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of Shirley Finnegan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.