HENNIGAR, Shirley Marie

On Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the age of 98, Shirley passed away peacefully in her Waterville home, where she had lived the last 72 years of her life. Shirley was born in South Berwick on July 31, 1925, the first of two daughters, to the late Joseph and Truth (Stephens) Lonergan. She and her sister grew up on the family farm and in their teenage years enjoyed spending summer holidays in Harbourville. She graduated from Mack Business College in 1944 and began 30 years of employment with the Berwick Fruit Company. She worked in the office as a stenographer and also filled the role of manager for a number of years. The final 10 years of her career were spent as manager of the Evangeline Credit Union (now Valley Credit Union Cambridge Branch). In August 1947, Shirley married Keith “Bud” Hennigar of Greenwich, in an outdoor ceremony near her family home. Shirley and Keith spent the beginning of their married life in South Berwick and later, in 1952, moved to Waterville. After a number of years, they became proud parents of a daughter, Lynn. A great tragedy in Shirley’s life was Keith's accident in 1977 which resulted in his passing. Ever the strong woman, Shirley focused on her family, and how she could be of help to others through community activities and work. Shirley was a longtime member of the South Berwick Community Club. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Waterville Hospital (now Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre) and was a faithful member of the Berwick Baptist Church where she joined the Weston-Welsford-Somerset Auxiliary. A charter member of the South Berwick Women’s Institute, she went on to serve as a provincial president of WINS. Her involvement and interest in the Women's Institute led her to travel to national meetings and conferences across the country, as well as to international events in England, Scotland, and Ireland. A capable person with a strong work ethic, Shirley could always be counted on to answer questions and provide advice when asked. She was highly respected in the workplace and enjoyed meeting and working with people in her community. Shirley cared very deeply for her family and was a wonderful example of selfless love. She was an unwavering support to others for as long as she was able. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her community interest and ability to get things done, and her warm, friendly smile. She was indeed a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Lynn (David) Charlton, Waterville; grandsons, Andrew and Cameron; sister, Margaret (the late James) Lamb, Somerset; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 30 years, Keith “Bud” Hennigar. Heartfelt thanks to Laurel Dingwall and Clara Friesen for supporting Shirley and her family over the last several years. Deep appreciation goes to VON Nursing and Home Care for their dedicated service. A visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 15, in the South Berwick Community Hall, 4518 Highway 1, South Berwick. Funeral service will take place at 3 p.m., on Sunday, March 17, in the Berwick Baptist Church, 265 Commercial St., Berwick, with Rev. Andrew Conrad and Rev. Dr. Shawn Kehoe officiating. Interment in the Berwick Cemetery. A reception will follow in the church annex. Donations in memory may be made to Berwick Baptist Church, Victorian Order of Nurses - Annapolis Valley Branch, or the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com