Shirley Ann (Funston) Calnan

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. Burial will follow the Mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Holy Family.

A memorial slideshow will be available to watch starting on March 5th on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/seversonproductions.