She is survived by her daughter Susan Enas and son James Riddell. Grandchildren Alexander Enas, Catherine Serrette, Dawn Riddell and Rob Riddell. Greatgrands Jude Enas, Archer Rocket Enas, Chelsea Casey, Cory Casey, June Riddell and Silas Riddell. Her brother Alan Kingdon and nephew Brian Kingdon. Cousins Randall and Bruce Reid. She is predeceased by her husband of 34 years, Robert G Riddell and her parents Oliver and Alice (Sims) Kingdon.
Born in Toronto, Canada Shirley showed an early interest in the arts. She studied dance and piano, spent time in her grandfather’s garden and was active at church and school.
Shirley attended Toronto Normal School (Teachers College) and taught elementary school at General Mercer and Humber Heights. In the 70’s she returned to teaching as a Special Education teacher and Reading Specialist, at several middle schools. Many adults in Etobicoke can read today because of her dedication and talent.
While teaching full time, Shirley completed a degree in Fine Art at University of Toronto. Her love of art, history, painting and photography led to study at University of Nice, France and University of Siena, Italy. She was a member of both the Houston and Toronto Camera Clubs, and the Art Society of Montreal.
Shirley’s best friend, Lorna Fraser introduced her to a young Army officer, Lieut. Robert George Riddell; they married February 24, 1944, before he went overseas. After WWII, they designed and built a home and started a family. In 1954 they moved to Montreal. During the next 7 years they added a son to the family, took up curling as a sport and Shirley continued to paint and take photographs.
The death of her beloved husband in 1978 opened a new chapter. Shirley resumed teaching full time and focused her love and attention on her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Remember all those trips to the zoo and points of interest around Toronto and Houston? Retiring from teaching in 1987 she became a Snowbird and wisely started spending the winter in Houston. For many years, she and Susan would take a “Girls Road Trip” to follow spring up the road her summer home north of Toronto.
Life in Houston was always busy. Shirley was an active member of the Prime Time Singers in West U, Friday Bridge Club in Bellaire, Tuesday Bridge at Bellaire UMC as well as singing in their choir. Saw more of Texas on the Citizens Bank day trips than most native Texans! She was a regular at Alex and Catherine’s band and dance events at St Thomas Episcopal and attended all our church and Bayou City concerts.
Life slowed down quite a bit the last couple of years, but Shirley maintained her sense of humor and enjoyed dining out at her favorite Houston restaurants like Pappadeaux and enjoying family gatherings like the Serrette’s crawfish boil and Christmas with Jenna’s family.
Recently, Shirley said she was ready to go home. She headed there just before Easter.
