Shirley M. Herbert

Shirley Herbert was a wonderful woman, of such great love and devotion to her family. She showed her love for others through her words, her affection, and most of all, the amazing food she lovingly prepared for them. She was a devoted wife, a doting mother and grandmother, and loyal friend to so many over the years. Most of all, she was a beautiful, loving woman who made a difference to the lives of all who knew her. Shirley's story began on a cool spring day in 1925, in Muskegon, Michigan. Those were exciting times in this country, the height of the Roaring 20s, as Americans enjoyed a strong economy, and airplanes and automobiles were becoming a part of everyday life for many. Indeed, there was much to celebrate in this country in 1925. On April 15, 1925 in Muskegon, Clarence "Casey" and Rose (Schmidt) Jesson found their own reason to celebrate, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Shirley. Shirley's father was a longtime employee of Strindler Paper, where he retired from after 60 years, while her mother eventually retired from John Nedeau Real Estate in Muskegon. In many ways, Shirley learned to be such an amazing wife and mother from her early days growing up in Muskegon, which helped make her who she was. Even as a child, she enjoyed learning to cook, sew, needlepoint and cross-stitch, and loved reading and crossword puzzles, all things that became her lifelong hobbies. Shirley also made many friends from her neighborhood and schools, some of which became lifelong friends. She attended Muskegon Public Schools, and graduated from Muskegon High on June 17, 1943. After high school Shirley met a man named Wayne Senecal, and they began dating. Eventually they were married, and were blessed with three wonderful children, Michael, Joann and Thomas. Shirley was an excellent, loving mother, who taught her children so well. She instilled in her kids the same great integrity and character she possessed, raising her kids with a firm and consistent voice. Shirley's thoughtfulness, loyalty, humor, and absolute love and devotion to her children made them her great friends as adults, forming a special bond so rare between parents and children. Shirley's marriage to Wayne didn't last, although it wasn't the last time she'd find love. In fact, the love of her life was always right around the corner, just too shy to tell her. She grew up with a man named Eugene Herbert, who lived in her neighborhood and known her since childhood. Gene always thought Shirley was "the prettiest girl on the block," but was too shy to talk to her back then. They reacquainted with each other in 1964, and Shirley's daughter Joann remembers how it was Shirley who was so nervous then, before her first date with Gene. Once the two got over their nervousness, it didn't take them long to realize it was true love, and they were married on August 20, 1966. Gene and Shirley had a wonderful marriage, full of love and laughter and family. Shirley loved spending time with her family, and especially loved planning huge holiday gatherings. Every Christmas Shirley would bake nearly a 100 dozen cookies of all kinds to share with her friends and family, many cookies from old family recipes passed down through the years. Easter was another special occasion, and Shirley would start planning nearly a month in advance for the big day. She enjoyed cooking and having her family visit so much, and she always made those times special. Shirley and Gene also hosted huge anniversary parties every year, celebrating their wonderful marriage with the people that meant most to them. Of course, Shirley didn't save all her cooking skills for the holidays and special events. She and Gene and daughter Joann spent hours and hours peeling and canning dozens of tomatoes, peaches and pears every year, which became such a fun tradition for them. They made many fond memories during those times, huddled together in their basement, canning those delicious treats. Shirley always made sure she canned enough for all her kids and grandkids, who loved them so much. After Gene retired from the Teledyne Company in 1986, Shirley and her husband enjoyed traveling together very much. Together the happy couple went on many cruises to various tropical locales, as well as trips to Las Vegas and Hawaii. They even went on cruises with Joann and her husband Ric, such special times for the four of them. Shirley had other interests, as well, and was a member of the Red Hat Society, a ladies' social group, and in her younger years, she belonged to many different bridge clubs. But most of all, Shirley loved her family, and her beloved husband. Sadly, Gene died on January 25, 2006, after nearly 40 wonderful years of marriage together. Shirley sadly died on Saturday, August 19, 2006. She lived a full, wonderful life, a life full of love and family and friendship. Shirley was a remarkable woman, always such a caring, fun-loving lady. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to so many. Most of all, Shirley made a difference to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. SURVIVORS - 2 sons, Michael (Sharon) Senecal of St. Joseph, MI, Thomas (Debra) Senecal of Grand Rapids, MI; 1 daughter, Joann (Ric) Vales of Grand Rapids, MI; 6 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren; 2 great granddaughters, 5 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; 1 step grandson. SERVICE - Friday, August 25, 2006, 11:00 AM, at the Clock Chapel, with Dr. Fred R. Halde officiating. VISITATION - Friday, 10-11 AM, at the Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: American Heart Association. 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