Shirley Curry

Shirley Nadine Curry was a self-styled woman who was caring and tender as well as rugged and independent. She was a baby-cuddling grandma and a forklift-driving expert. She sewed and hunted, partied and crocheted, pranked and played games. Shirley lived her life with love and laughter. Shirley was eighth child born to David and Martha (Helmer) Veach of Muskegon Heights, Michigan. The date was September 2, 1934, and Americans were enduring economic turmoil at home and political unrest in Europe. Families found inspiration from President Franklin D. Roosevelts Fireside Chats as they continued to make life meaningful amid the hardships. Shirleys father labored in various factories to support his nine children, while her mother was busy at home with sons Jim, Cal, David, Vern, and Kite and daughters Pearl, Pauline, Lillian and Shirley. Shirley spent her early years in Muskegon Heights, but the family eventually moved to Spring Lake, Michigan. Shirley was just 16 years old and still in high school when she met and fell in love with James MacKay. They dated for a time before marrying on December 1, 1950. In 1951, they began their family with the birth of James Jr., and soon after, Rick was born in 1952. James and Shirley bought property on Pine Street in Grand Haven and began building their own home. Once they completed the basement, the family moved in and James continued building the stories above while maintaining his job with Michigan Brass Company. It took several years complete, but all the while it was the place the family called home. Shirley became a working mother when she took a job with Harbor Industries as a machine operator. Unfortunately, an accident in 1969 took one of her fingers, but Shirley recovered and kept working. In time, she went to work at Integrated Metal Technologies, where she worked as a fork truck driver for over 15 years until retiring in 1999. As a family, the MacKays liked to go camping, especially when it meant meeting up with extended family at Young State Park in Boyne City. Often times Shirley went with James to deer camp and helped out with the cooking, but she also did a little hunting herself. As a couple, the two of them liked spending time with friends, especially Marge and Mel Vanderwall and Nancy and Sam Kimball. They got together regularly to socialize and play cards. Shirley was always up for a good party. Shirleys marriage to James ended in 1973 and, before long, she met Charles Chuck Curry. They dated a short time, married in September of 1973 and eventually built a house on State Street in Nunica. The two of them enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing and camping and watching air shows around the west Michigan area. They traveled to Texas to visit her son Rick and his family, and at one point, helped them move back to Michigan. When Shirley became a grandmother, she couldnt have been happier. She often offered to babysit her son James children, and when they were young, she babysat her grandkids nearly every Friday night. Being the caring person she was, Shirley was always there for her family whenever they needed help with anything. Plus, she could be counted on to bring fun to any situation by playing a trick on someone in the family. In 1998, Shirley and Chuck divorced, and she was on her own, learning to be independent. She did quite well when it came to fixing things around the house and even had her own tool kit. Her sister Pearl shared a close bond with Shirley, and the two of them got together regularly to play cards or marble board games or go to garage sales. When she finally spent some quiet time at home, Shirley was sewing, crocheting or making rag rugs, perhaps tuned into a John Wayne movie or country western music. In March 2012, Shirley broke her hip and needed surgery. Complication set in during recovery, and she fought hard to keep up her strength. Gradually, her body grew weaker and started to fail. She passed away Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the age of 77. Friends and family will miss her generosity and joy. Mrs. Shirley N. Curry is survived by her sons, James (Denise) MacKay Jr. of Grand Haven, Rick (Dawn) MacKay of Hesperia; grandchildren, Jessica (Merritt) Lucas of Grand Haven, Jason (Cynthia) MacKay of TX, Deia Brault of Holland; great grandchildren, Jordan & Emily Lucas, Brigitte Brault; brother, James (Alyce) Veach of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Suzanne MacKay. A service to celebrate Shirleys life will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 2:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Grand Haven with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Lakeshore Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, 12:30 - 2:00 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.