In honoring Shirley Malo’s memory, we are reminded that the best and most beautiful things in life are often invisible to the eye but felt deeply in our hearts. As we navigate the tapestry of our own lives, may we be inspired by Shirley’s legacy to cherish the intangible moments, nurture our connections, and find beauty in the unseen threads that bind us all.
“The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched; they must be felt with the heart.” These profound words by Helen Keller echo the sentiment that life’s true treasures lie in the intangible moments, emotions, and connections we share with others. As we reflect on the life of Shirley Malo, who passed away on January 5, 2024, at the age of 85, we find solace in the beautiful tapestry of experiences she wove throughout her lifetime.
Shirley’s journey began on June 9, 1938, in Russell, Manitoba, under the nurturing gaze of her parents, Howard and Catherine Kennedy. Unfortunately, the loss of her mother at the tender age of eleven marked a pivotal moment in her life. The family relocated to Fort William, ON, seeking solace and support from extended family. Amidst the challenges of growing up without a mother, Shirley found strength in the loving presence of her grandmother, Catherine McManus.
Shirley’s early education at St. Martins School in Fort William paved the way for her to attend Fort William Vocational Collegiate Institute. Upon graduation, she embarked on a journey that would intertwine her fate with Richard “Dick” Malo, the love of her life. Fate has a curious way of orchestrating love stories, and in Shirley’s case, it began at Gamble Robinson, where she and Dick crossed paths. Her story, and the humor injected by her husband’s recollection of meeting her while she unloaded boxcars, speaks to the unexpected and delightful turns life can take.
Central to Shirley’s life was her commitment to family. Losing her mother at a young age undoubtedly shaped her understanding of the importance of familial bonds. Her father, Howard, and grandmother, Catherine McManus, played pivotal roles in molding Shirley and her sisters into the resilient and wonderful women they became. The invisible thread of love and support that ran through her family laid the foundation for a life rich in meaningful connections.
Shirley Malo’s life was a testament to the belief that the most profound experiences are felt with the heart. Her legacy lies not in material possessions but in the warmth of her love, the strength she imparted, and the memories she created. As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate the beauty of a life well-lived, one that exemplified the sentiment expressed by Helen Keller.
