Obituary of Shirley Frances McMenamey

May 5, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Frances McMenamey, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who departed this life surrounded by her loving family at the age of 90. Born in Bridgeport on March 7th 1935, to Angela and Joseph Horvath, Shirley was the heart of her family, nurturing five children with unwavering love and dedication. Her home in Trumbull where she resided for 68 years was a haven of warmth, where the aroma of her cooking filled the air and the sound of laughter and lively games echoed through the rooms.

She was married to William McMenamey on April 7th 1956 at Saint Michael's Church.

Shirley attended Saint Michael's Grammar School, Saint John's High School NEP, and Butler Business School. She worked for General Electric in Fairfield until her retirement in 1995.

Shirley had an insatiable love for travel exploring the United States, Europe and beyond with her husband of 69 years Bill. Among their many adventures the sun kissed shores of Costa del Sol held a special place in her heart. A true aficionado of games Shirley found joy in the strategic play of mahjong and Domino's and delighted in solving cryptograms often challenging friends and family to join her in the fun. Her commitment to community was evident in her active involvement with the Gaelic Club, the Women's club at church as well as senior centers in both Trumbull and Monroe touching many lives with her kindness and enthusiasm.

Shirley's creativity shone through in her love for sewing cherished garments and keepsakes for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her culinary skills were a source of comfort and delight especially when preparing meals for Bill, whom she adored.

She is survived by husband Bill, her five children, Cathy DeCarle (Joe), Patricia Carpenter (Paul), William McMenamey III (Anne), Robert McMenamey (Maureen), Shaun McMenamey (Suzanne), Grandchildren, Wesley Carpenter (Melissa), Lane Carpenter (Shannon), Grant Carpenter (Laura), Case Carpenter (Olivia), Joseph DeCarle, Lauren Gimber (Alex), Kelly Perkins (Mike), Christopher McMenamey, Bill McMenamey IV, Colin McMenamey, Patrick McMenamey, Dylan McMenamey, Jack McMenamey and Brooke McMenamey, Great Grandchildren, Tenley, Cecelia and Whit Carpenter, Myles and Greyson Carpenter, Rowan, Quinn, and Cameron Perkins, Emmett and Peyton Shirley Gimber all of whom carry forward her legacy of generosity, and zest for life. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Brenna McMenamey.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 4700 Madison Ave., Trumbull. Interment will follow in Long Hill Burial Grounds, Trumbull. Friends may greet the family on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com

Flowers are welcome, or if preferred donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Shirley's memory. Shirley's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and compassion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.