Shirley Frances MacKenzie's Obituary
Shirley Frances MacKenzie (nee Konon), a woman known for her strength, intelligence, independent nature and loving heart, passed away on March 27, 2019 in Vancouver, WA at the age of 92.Shirley was born in San Francisco to Michael and Frances Konon in 1926. The family moved to San Bruno when Shirley was 11. She attended San Mateo High School and graduated in 1944.Her early work experience included a position as a statistical analyst, recording flight delays, charting flights and other tasks for Pan Am from 1947-1952. This job afforded the opportunity to travel to Central and South America and Hawaii.Stan MacKenzie, the love of her life, came into her life in 1950, and they married in 1952 and continued their love journey until his death in 2007.They made their first home in San Carlos. In 1961, they purchased their next home in Redwood City, where she lived for the next 56 years before moving to Vancouver, Washington to live near her daughter.Shirley stayed home with her children for several years, diving into volunteer work such as serving as PTA President, Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie leader, booster club officer for Guardsmen, Vanguard, and Sequoia Band. Supporting her family and their interests was always the highest priority to her.Once her youngest was tucked away in school, Shirley returned to the workforce, most notably, her 18 year service to the City of Redwood City as a financial computer programmer. In the early days of computers, she embraced the new technology and incorporated that passion and acumen into her life, eventually teaching computer classes to seniors during her retirement.Upon her retirement in 1988, she and her beloved husband maximized their newfound free time by extensively traveling in their motorhome and enjoying cruises. They often included their children and grandchildren in their many adventures.Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Michael and Frances Konon, husband Stan MacKenzie, and brother Mike Konon.She is survived by son Steve (Cindy), daughters Norma and Carole, grandchildren, Justin (Cindy), Teresa (Allen), Matthew (Lynee), Michelle (Jason), Kelly, Kyle, Ryan, Zak, and great grandchildren River, Eli, Jaylynn, Lilian, Paxton, Abigail, Owen, and Tessa.Internment will be held at Skylawn for immediate family only, per Shirley’s wishes.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA, St Jude’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
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