Obituary of Shirley Marie Keddy

Keddy, Shirley Marie (Saunders) - Age 78, of Falmouth, passed peacefully with family by her side on July 21, 2026 in Hants Community Hospital. 

Shirley was born on December 13, 1947, in Dartmouth, and was the eldest daughter of John and Beulah (Fredericks) Saunders. In the late 1950’s, the Saunders clan moved to Avondale where Shirley spent her childhood riding horses and playing in the countryside with her 8 siblings. In 1966, Shirley met and married the love of her life Richard Aubery Keddy.  Shirley raised 3 boys while also teaching Sunday School, supporting Richard, and - while he was Police Chief in Hantsport in the late 1970’s - she was often a police dispatcher, answering emergency calls on the house phone. 

Shirley enjoyed a brief retirement from motherhood before entering the next stage of her career, becoming a Grandmother. After raising a house full of boys, she had longed for a girl, and she got her wish as the next generation was of 4 granddaughters.  In 2016, at her anniversary dinner, Shirley was presented with a golden trophy for her 50 years of dedicated service - the coveted “Keddy Cup”. 

Shirley/Mom/Nan/Grammy/GG fiercely loved and was incredibly proud of each and every member of her family, and she will be missed dearly. Left to mourn her loss are sons, Kevin (Leslie), Allan (Annette), and Peter (Carol); granddaughters, Alexandra (Justin), Alicia (Logan), Dakota (Zack), and Jessica (Owen); great- grandchildren, Jack and Andi; sisters, Sandra, Shelly, Selina, and Suzanne; brothers, Tom and Randy; and many nieces and nephews.  

Besides her parents, Shirley is predeceased by her husband, Richard; and brothers, John and Donald. 

Cremation has taken place under the care of Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. A private family graveside will take place at a later date. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Hants Community Hospital for their care of Shirley in these last few weeks, and for making her feel like the “Queen of the Hospital” - she thought highly of you all. 

“Always say ‘see ya later’, goodbyes are final”