HUDSON FALLS – Shirley Louise Bristol McKernon, 100, formerly of Union Street, died on January 13, 2021, at Granville Center.
Born on May 29, 1920, in Great Barrington, MA, she was the daughter of the late Rev. George Fairbanks and Grace Faith (Peck) Bristol.
Shirley was a 1938 graduate of Hartford Central School. She then attended Oneonta State Teachers College and graduated in 1941 from Mildred Elly Business School in Albany.
On July 10, 1942, she married Kenneth W. McKernon in Pawlet, VT. They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage, until his passing on December 13, 1985. They worked together as a team. She enjoyed a good, comfortable and loving life with her soulmate. As a couple, they not only shared their life, but also all jobs in running a smooth household.
Shirley was employed at the Post Star, in the printing department, for 10 years as an estimator and proofreader. After her husband returned from the war, they both began their career at Hollister’s Plumbing and Heating Corp. in Hudson Falls. She worked diligently as a secretary and estimator for 15 years.
Her faith was a central part of who she was. Along with her husband, Shirley was a member of the Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls, where they both taught Sunday school and helped organize the Christ Church Nursery program in the early 1950’s. She also was a member of the Glen Star Chapter #95 Order of the Eastern Star.
Being a wife to Kenneth and mother to Kendall was her first priority. She allowed her son to be creative, gave him a firm moral compass and instilled in him a strong work ethic. Shirley was very happy to live the life she had. She was kind to all those she met and always willing to give of herself in a gentle way to those in need.
Survivors include her devoted son, Kendall Fairbanks McKernon and his wife, Cindy; her loving granddaughter, Kathleen Kendall McKernon; David Putnam, whom she thought of as her second son; her former daughter in law, Mary Putnam; her good friend, whom she shared many wonderful experiences, Romayne Gilliland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
At a later date, she will be laid to rest, next to her husband, at Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.
Memorial donations in memory of Shirley may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205
Kendall, Cindy and Kathleen,
My deepest condolences. May wonderful memories ease your sadness as she showers with love from above.
Kendall, to you and the family I offer my deepest condolences. Even when our grief is tempered by knowing their lives were full and well lived, it still gives us pain. I still have many memories of us at Christ Church… in Sunday school and years later of you and I in youth group.
Kendall, to you and your family and friends I send my deepest condolences. I remember well the times in Sunday School and years later of you and I in youth group. Even when we know that the life was full and complete, it still causes us pain.
Condolences to Kandall and family. Shirley was a sweet and gracious lady. We always enjoyed those wonderful birthday parties she gave Fairbanks. Being with Shirley and her family will always be warm memories. I can hear Fairbanks crowing now. Enjoy your new home, Shirley.