Mary Gwendoline Shirley (24 Oct 1948 - 26 Apr 2026)

The kindest, most beautiful soul Mary x Each week she came in to help out in our nursery at st Mary’s. We called her our ray of sunshine because thats what she truly was. She was loving, giving, passionate, kind and had the best sense of humour. She loved the children and they loved her. We were blessed to have had her in our lives. Heaven truly has gained an angel.

Cash donated to collection box at Our Lady of Gillingham Catholic Church and Gillingham Golf Club.

Cash donations made to the collection box at Our Lady of Gillingham Catholic Church and Gillingham Golf Club

Funds raised from collection box at Our Lady of Gillingham Catholic Church and Gillingham Golf Club

Mary was a gentle soul who loved working with the children. The children loved working with her. Everyone wanted to be in her movement group in the hall. Heaven has a new angel to watch over us. May she rest in peace.

Farewell to a dear friend.
Rest in peace, Mary

We have many wonderful memories of our dear friend Mary, RIP
Toni and Rod

Such fond memories of a lovely friend for so many years. Geddy and family

Mary was such a kind and lovely person. When we went skiing, I remember her leaving Easter eggs on the breakfast table for all of us kids. My thoughts are with you, Roy.

To Mary our kind and thoughful friend and neighbour in Broadstairs. Thank you for your friendship over the years and your kindness to Irene. With love Pat and Colin

Thinking of Mary today and everyone who loves her. With best wishes, Karima

Dearest Mary,
I watched your beautiful send off online.
Your energy and genuine friendliness was something I always appreciated during my time working with you at St Mary’s, I can see you have touched the lives of many and have left a wonderful legacy, I will think of you whenever I visit the Peace Garden.
Sending love and condolences to all the family
xxx

So privileged to have known and work with such a lovely kind lady . You will be sadly missed.

'Aunty Mary' was my first ever teacher at playschool I remember her love, care and nurturing even at such a young age. Later in life she was a colleague at St Mary's and I was also blessed in that she cared for my own children too. May she rise in Heavenly Glory, thinking of her lovely family on the eve of her funeral. Sorry I'm unable to attend x

Mary, you will be always in my memory and heart.

Dear Mary, you were a true and dependable friend; a lovely lady with a heart of gold; a gentle smile and a quiet determination. You were a saint on Earth and now a Saint in Heaven; Earth's great loss; Heaven's glorious gain.
We will remember you always, especially, in the Peace Garden at Aylesford Priory.
Farewell gentle Mary. Rest in Peace, Amen.
Love Hugh and Patsy McKearney.

For Mary xx from Craig Lily & Barnaby

I knew Mary like an aunt,
Warm of heart and kind of way.
Her gentle presence filled the room,
And brightened many a day.

Sad indeed to hear she's gone,
The news has touched me deeply still.
Yet memories of her kindness remain,
And always, I believe, they will.

Though words can never ease the loss,
Or take away the pain of death,
I hold her in my thoughts with care,
And honour her with every breath.

My deepest sympathy to all who loved her.