Shirley Ann LeClaire, 91, Escanaba, passed away Wednesday February 4, 2015 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. She was born on September 7, 1923 in Gladstone, MI, the daughter of the late Edward and Myrtle (Hannigan) Cannon. Shirley married Aino Karjala who preceded her in death and on June 29, 1957 she married the late Louis LeClaire at St. Anne's Parish.
In her younger years she worked at the Busy B Cafe in Gladstone and later at St. Vincent De Paul store in Escanaba. Shirley was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Members Order of the Purple Heart and St. Anne's Church. She also loved camping, traveling, going to the casino and for her 80th birthday she traveled to Hollywood to see Bob Barker.
Shirley is survived by her two children: Amy (James) Wilson and David LeClaire, two brothers: Francis and Richard Cannon, four grandchildren: Michael, Lisa, Anna and William, one great-granddaughter: Sophie, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husband's and three brothers: Kenneth, James and Thomas Cannon.
Friends may call from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday February 6, 2015 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Escanaba. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. on Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will follow Mass in the church parish hall. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to her family.
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"My thoughtful prayers are with you as you remember Shirley, sharing stories and memories and saying your last good-bye. Just think of how joyful she is seeing Louie, her Mom and Dad and all the relatives and friends -- what a grand time they are having! Much love, Maureen"
-Maureen Cannon -
"Wishing all the family all possible comfort and support with the joy of good memories. I only met Shirley 4 times when we visited from Spokane, WA. But I enjoyed those visits with her and family. I've always loved to hearing Dick's stories of his Gladstone years, and what wonderful memories he had of his big sister and all the fun she created for him and the other kids in the neighborhood. Even got a few treats from the Busy Bee Café sometimes, I think. They continued to stay in touch through the years via letters and Birthday cards with the $5:00 included for a bottle of wine(I guess that had to increase due to inflation through the years, ha!). I know she will be greatly missed but always in our hearts and minds. Love and Hugs To All, Linda"
-Linda Cannon (Dick's Wife) -
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. Shirley was my favorite aunt as I was growing up. She moved to Redwood City, California and played softball for a team called the QT's. To me it was as if she was a professional ballplayer. Just one of many fond memories. She will remain in my memory forever. Bill Cannon "
-Bill Cannon
