Fidelis G. (Balkenol) Shirley Harrington

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN  56001

Fidelis Genevieve Shirley Harrington, age 96, of North Mankato, died Monday, July 18, 2016, at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in North Mankato.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Mankato.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at the church.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Mankato Mortuary.  Memorials may be given to SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

Fidelis was born October 28, 1919, in Iona to Frank and Regina (Huerkamp) Balkenol.  She was a graduate of Slayton High School and attended the Minneapolis School of Business.  Fidelis was united in marriage to Clement “Red” Shirley on July 29, 1940, in Slayton.  She was employed as an administrative assistant for the AFL-CIO Teamsters Union, owned and operated several taverns with Red, and was also a homemaker for her family.  Fidelis later married Donald Harrington in 1976 in Mankato.

Fidelis was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, where she was a volunteer with the CCW.  She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagle’s Club.  Fidelis enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, travelling, helping her daughter, Jill with dog shows, and spending time with her many family members and grandchildren.  She would bake and deliver food to neighbors and family.  Fidelis was always there to offer a helping hand when needed and kept an “open door policy” for anyone.  She was well known amongst friends and family as being very caring and giving of herself.

Fidelis is survived by her son, Con (Leigh) Shirley of Dallas, TX, and their son, Casey; granddaughter, Kelly Shirley and her mother, Mary; niece, Charlotte Pazik; great-niece, Lynn Beadell; Don’s family:  David (Sandy), Kathie, Red (Vonnie), Patricia, and John (Judy) Harrington, and their children, grandchildren, and extended Harrington family; also close friend, Mary McClure.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Clement “Red” Shirley in 1968; second husband, Don Harrington in 2001; infant sister, Elizabeth; son, Danny Shirley in 1968; daughter, Jill Shirley in 2008; sister, Cecelia (Roland) Anderson; nephew, Roland “Bud” Anderson; step-son, Michael “Curly” Harrington; and a great-nephew, Don Beadell.