Shirley Charlotte Kavanaugh
July 13th, 1943 - February 8th, 2025
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Shirley's Obituary
Shirley Charlotte (Hensley) Kavanaugh, 81, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Hanson Hospice in Stevensville.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Tom Bird officiating. Friends may visit prior to the service from 4 P.M. – 6 P.M. A private burial at Indian Lake Cemetery in Dowagiac will take place later. Memorials in Shirley’s name may be made to Hanson Hospice Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Those wishing to sign Shirley’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Shirley was born July 13, 1943 in Dowagiac to Paul and Ericka “Betty” (Doberstein) Hensley. Her greatest joy and accomplishment were her three children, Brenda, Mike and Deb. A compassionate soul, Shirley was a stay-at-home mom who dedicated her life to raising her children and helping care for many others in the neighborhood. Her kindness extended beyond her home, as she loved to donate to various charities and gave what she could to help others.
Shirley’s loving spirit, selflessness, and devotion to her family and community will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.
Shirley is survived by her children Brenda (Joe) Yenchus, Mike Kavanaugh and Deb (Randy) Frank; grandchildren Brandon & Zack Yenchus and Jace & Sophia Frank; brother Al Doberstein and cousin Linda Wanberg. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Paul Hensley Jr.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Tom Bird officiating. Friends may visit prior to the service from 4 P.M. – 6 P.M. A private burial at Indian Lake Cemetery in Dowagiac will take place later. Memorials in Shirley’s name may be made to Hanson Hospice Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Those wishing to sign Shirley’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Shirley was born July 13, 1943 in Dowagiac to Paul and Ericka “Betty” (Doberstein) Hensley. Her greatest joy and accomplishment were her three children, Brenda, Mike and Deb. A compassionate soul, Shirley was a stay-at-home mom who dedicated her life to raising her children and helping care for many others in the neighborhood. Her kindness extended beyond her home, as she loved to donate to various charities and gave what she could to help others.
Shirley’s loving spirit, selflessness, and devotion to her family and community will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.
Shirley is survived by her children Brenda (Joe) Yenchus, Mike Kavanaugh and Deb (Randy) Frank; grandchildren Brandon & Zack Yenchus and Jace & Sophia Frank; brother Al Doberstein and cousin Linda Wanberg. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Paul Hensley Jr.
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