Shirley Ann Calnan, 87
November 27, 1934-Februry 22, 2022
Our beloved mother, Shirley Ann Calnan, of Anaconda, Montana, age 87 passed away with family by her side on February 22, 2022.
Shirley was born in Lewistown, MT on November 27th, 1934. In her early life, Shirley enjoyed spending time in Hobson, MT with her grandparents, MaryJane and Frank Rooney. Shirley's family lived in various places throughout her childhood and for her senior year moved to Anaconda, MT where she graduated high school in 1952.
After high school, Shirley went to Carroll College where she was the president of the Nursing Club, starred in several musicals and was the first homecoming queen. One of her highlights of her college days was when she sang at the Washoe Theater and had the lead role in, "Alice's Blue Gown." In 1954 she married Tim Calnan, who starred in the same musical. Shirley's house was filled with singing every day because of her and Tim's love of music. Together they had seven children who also shared a love of singing.
Shirley was widowed in her early forties. At the time of Tim's passing, they had one grandchild, Walter Barry. Shirley's family continued to grow and at the time of her passing she had sixteen grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren. She is loved dearly by each of them.
Shirley was actively involved with Holy Family Church and volunteered to bake for the luncheon crew. Baking was her passion and anyone who visited her house was welcomed with a delicious meal and tons of desserts.
She lived in her home in Anaconda for 44 years. During that time, she worked at City Drug and Warm Springs State Hospital Pharmacy until she retired. After retiring, she was able to travel to Ireland and many other places. Her most treasured trip was the one she took to Hawaii with all of her children.
Shirley is survived by her brothers Larry (Rosalie) Funston, Jerry (Agnes) Funston, sister Sharon Smith, her children, Teri (Ben) Riehl, Shelly (Matt) Severson, Mary Calnan-Burns, KC (Yvonne) Calnan, Marvalee (Stefan) Andersson, and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tim Calnan Sr., her parents, Agatha and Marvin Funston, sister Donna Funston, son Timothy Calnan, and daughter Kathy Scrupps.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 5th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Anaconda at 10:00 a.m. Family is encouraged to arrive at 9:15 to visit before the funeral. A luncheon will follow at Holy Family.
A burial will be scheduled at a later date at which she will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
A memorial slideshow will be available to watch on March 5th on the YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/seversonproductions.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Shirley's funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by KT Riddle Funeral Homes Anaconda Chapel.
5 Entries
Jamie Larsen
February 28, 2022
One of the nicest things that ever happened to me is when I became Shirley's roommate at Carroll Colleges Nursing program in fall of 1952. We roomed together for 2 years until she left to get married. Luckily I was able to keep in touch for many years since she lived 2 blocks from my Mom's. The word I'd use most to describe her is KIND. Such a good mom, daughter, Aunt, friend!She was such a hard worker raising her 7 lovely kids and they were so lucky to have her and for so long. Her freshman year she was straight A student, cheerleader and star of Carroll's musical.Called "Deep purple" I remember her singing " My wonderful One" Hope I am right but it was in the show). I loved her laugh and smile !I was sad when she left and I always wished she could have finished as she was such a good nurse.Once, when I visited her she had a litter of cocker spaniels and I came home with one for my family and he was shy so we called him Bashful and he was the favorite pet of all time in the Gardner home. In later years several members of my family died and she was always there at the funeral! I wish I could be there for hers! I truly loved Shirley and so grateful for her friendship. She truly enhanced my life.I am sorry she is gone.Hope you kids are doing OK.Love to you all! Jamie
Kathy Roskilly Olson
February 26, 2022
Many of my most cherished childhood memories stem from living on Whitman Avenue and hanging out with the Calnan clan. Your mom was a terrific lady. My deepest sympathies to your whole extended family.
Cindy Roskilly Munyon
February 25, 2022
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Many of my childhood memories are at your home on Whitman. Your Mom was a wonderful lady.
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