Fox, Shirley M. (nee Schwent) fortified with the Sacrament of Holy Mother Church, Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Beloved wife of the late James J. Fox; dear mother of Sandra (Daniel) Kleffner, James (Melissa) Fox, and Cynthia (Dean) Stutte; cherished grandmother of Adam, Ben, Grace and Sam Kleffner, Jimmy, Annie and Joey Fox, Caroline, Danny and Molly Stutte; dear daughter of late Bernell and Stella Schwent, dear sister of Jeanne (Leland) Lamm, Tammy (Jeff) Smith and the late Larry Schwent; dear sister-in-law of Rosemary (Rick) Ferrario; aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Shirley and Jim were married for 51 years. During those years you could find them supporting their three children by attending sporting events and all extracurriculars, running Girl Scout meetings and high school auctions, and creating beautiful family memories. In later years they opened their hearts and home to the “outlaws,” Dan, Melissa and Dean, and loved them as their own. Eventually, they became their ten grandchildren’s biggest fans…. from babysitting, carpooling to rooting them on in all their sports and activities.
There was no bigger believer in the importance of family and tradition than Shirley. Creating her own signature on each milestone and every holiday, from St. Nicholas ornaments, Corned Beef and Cabbage with “green” applesauce on St. Patrick’s Day, intricately wrapped Birthday presents with perfect bows, hiding the Golden Easter egg, to celebrating with an over-the-top table at Advent by Candlelight.
Her faith in God and her love of St. Catherine Laboure parish was the cornerstone of her life. She did more than attend Mass on Sundays…much more. Over the years, she was involved in the parish school as a room mother, Girl Scout leader, librarian, PSR teacher, school board member and substitute teacher. Her commitment to the Catholic church was further illustrated as she was a member of the Parish Council, the Ladies of Charity, the Liturgy Committee; she led ACTS retreats and was a lector and Eucharist Minister. The list goes on….
Shirley, always the eternal optimist and up for anything…loved traveling with family and friends, attending the Muny with her sisters, grandchildren and nieces. She loved flowers/gardening, beaches, sunsets, rainbows, inspirational quotes, lighthouses, cruises, root beer floats and attending sporting events.
While she knew well that ALS would eventually overcome her body, she battled ALS like she lived her entire life…full of faith in God’s grace and love, unwaveringly committed to her family and friends and full of a dignity and “can do” spirt until her last breath. We are comforted in her loss knowing she is reunited with Jim and forever in God’s eternal rest. We love you Mom/Momo/Shirley…always have, always will!
Services: Memorial visitation will be held at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd., Wednesday, January 17, 4pm-8pm. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church on Thursday, January 18 at 10:00 am.
Memorial Contributions may be given to ALS c/o Stella and Shirley Angel Fund: http://tinyurl.com/StellaandShirleyALSAngelFund or St. Catherine Laboure Parish: 9740 Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO 63128 http://tinyurl.com/ShirleyFoxSCL .
Our most sincere condolences on your mom’s passing. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love Pam and Dan
Shirley was my closest friend. We have been together for 62 years. We laughed together and cried together We went to ball games , cruises dinners and just talked a lot about live . She was a wonderful person who helped make my life better. I will miss her terribly but she will always be in my mind and heart.
Thank you Shirley for a life well lived. An inspiration for us all. Rest now 🙏
Shirley is a very special Spirit. When God graced our family with her energy and beauty, we were all better people for having been in her sweet, sweet presence. God bless all of her family and watch over them in this difficult time.
Shirley was not only my long-time co-worker until she retired, but also a very dear friend. I loved hearing stories of her kids and grandkids and sharing stories of my kids with her. She truly loved her family and friends and devoted her life to them. I will miss her. My condolences to Jimmy, Sandy, Cindy and the rest of the family.
Shirley was epic. She embraced her life as a gift from God and shared it a hundred fold. Whether it was teaching and touching the lives of her Parish School Of Religion students for 18 years, or diligently and happily preparing for an ACTS Retreat, Shirley accomplished it all with much love and laughter.
St. Catherine Laboure Parish has been bless to know her, love her and serve with her. Praise and thanks be to God.
Blessings and prayers for Shirley’s entire family.
Peggy Brinkmann
Jeanne, so sorry for the passing of your sister. Thoughts and prayers for you and family during this time of grief
Our condolences to all the family, especially to Jim and Missy. Prayers for all of you.
We will be out of town this week but you will be in our thoughts.
Shirley and Jim lived next door to my parents house when I was a teenager. I often babysat Sandy, Jimmy and Cindy. They were both wonderful people to know. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends ❤️🙏🏻
To Sandy,,Jim,&Cindy
So sorry for the loss of your Mother. She was very nice and caring for all those who knew her. Our prayers & thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Pat & Don Hagen
Although I only knew Shirley for a short amount of time, I enjoyed being with her and helping her so much. She was so sweet and we enjoyed our time together. Thank you for allowing me to care for your mom and thank you for taking such good care of me. I’m so sorry for your loss. Love, Mediha
My sincere condolences to the family. I was blessed with the opportunity to re-connect with her for a short while at a few of the “cousin” get togethers. She will always be remembered and loved.
With love and prayers,
Patty (Behrle) Hunt
My sincerest condolences. ALS impacted our family too. Grief is an individual journey. No one has the exact same one. What is the same is that it is lonely, personal and necessary. Take care of Self. Grief is exhausting.
We are so sorry for your profound loss of your beautiful Mother. Our thoughts and prayers of peace and comfort are with you and your entire family . “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal ;Love leaves a memory no one can steal “-Irish Blessing
Love to all,
The Kleffner Family
My deepest condolences on the loss of Shirley. She was always a ray of sunshine at Doherty/Kleffner events. She always reminded me of the Energizer Bunny, as does her “mini me” Sandy. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to be there with you, but know my prayers are with you.
Much love,
Patti