June 19th, 1934 to July 29th, 2023
Shirley Ida Boswell passed peacefully on the morning of July 29th at de Greef Hospice House in St. Louis after fighting a long battle with dementia. She was born the daughter of Martin Senn and Ida Senn nee Knoll in St. Louis, Missouri.
Shirley was a graduate of Hancock High School graduating as the Salutatorian of her class. She earned her degree in music education from Milliken University in Decator Illinois with honors. She was a flautist and pianist and played in the marching band. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority and stayed involved with alumni chapters throughout her adult life.
Upon graduation she worked for the Afton School District where while teaching at Reavis School she met her husband, Kenneth Boswell. Her teaching career spanned over 50 years and included time in the Webster School District, the St. Louis Symphony School (formerly known as CASA), and private practice.
She played flute for the St. Louis Philharmonic. In addition to her music and education career she was an active member of the Crestwood Garden Club where she competed in and judged flower arranging competitions. She loved to travel having visited all 50 states and many foreign countries.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by her two children Scott Senn Boswell (Robin) and Kim Knoll Daniel nee Boswell (Brian) and her four grandchildren, Scott Senn Boswell jr. “Senn”, Graham Gerhardt Boswell, Brea Knoll Daniel, and Cole Parker Daniel.
We give thanks to the love and care she received from Trenna Grant, Benita Crook, and those that helped her from Compassionate Care. In addition, we are thankful for the kindness of the nurses and staff at DeGreef Hospice House in her final weeks.
Services; The family will hold a small memorial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on August 7th and 10;15 AM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Shirley’s honor be sent to Play it Forward St. Louis, MO or Emmaus Homes Marthasville, MO.
I’m sorry that you’ve lost someone who you loved so much. I’m wishing you a lot of strength in this difficult time. I hope all the good memories will bring you some comfort in the days ahead.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times.
Shirley was a most interesting person. She dressed in colorful outfits that befitted her love for a variety of styles. She often spoke her mind, enjoyed good food and loved to travel. She could never talk enough about her adult children’s successes and adored her four grandchildren. Two of her favorite things were “junkin” and eating at Red Lobster. She always got a double order of the coconut shrimp so she would have a treat later. I always learned something from her when we spent time together–from gardening tips to how she planned to teach me how to play the piano….it would only cost me a few coconut shrimp dinners 🙂
I remember when Miss Senn became Mrs. Boswell, and was one of her music students at Reavis. She became my first piano teacher on 10 December 1959 (as evidenced by her handwritten date on my first piano study book).
I can still play some of her prelude pieces (by ear) that she played for us while we were filing in to the All Purpose Room at Reavis.
My first love for classical music was due to her wonderful descriptions, accompanied by musical excerpts.
I spoke to her once after Ken’s passing.
She was an exceptionally gifted and talented lady.