Shirley Ann Nicholson

Shirley Ann Nicholson, 89, of Canton, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Shirley was born January 28, 1937, in Dover, OH, to the late Robert and Nettie Kennedy. She was a 1955 graduate of Beach City High School. She was one of 11 children, and grew up on a farm, and had a deep love for nature and farm life. Shirley enjoyed anything having to do with the outdoors, such as gardening, tending to flowers, mushroom hunting, and feeding all the birds. Shirley also had a tremendous passion for all music, and especially found joy in sharing her special finds with her family. She was an avid reader, reading at least two books weekly, and loved to play various card games with anyone who was willing to play.

Shirley met her late husband, “Red”, at Bud’s Drive-In in Strasburg, OH. Together, they raised four loving daughters. For nearly her entire life, Shirley was very spiritual. She had a deep faith in God.

Shirley leaves behind three daughters; Vicki Young (Mike), Kathie Molesky (John) and Connie Johnson (Chris); grandchildren Steven Young (Susan Marazza), Audrey Orlando (Chris), Katie Sarna (Keith), John Molesky (Rodney Hunter), Michael Molesky (Natalie), Jana Cooper (Brandon), Christina Gambrel (Kyle), and Trisha Imhoff (Todd); great grandchildren Kenzie, Garrett, Parker, Blaire, Barrett, Sloane, Beckett, Kayla, Chloe, Evelyn, Maddison and Colbie; siblings Mary Jane Auhl, Jimmy Kennedy, Roger Kennedy and Carol Nesselrod. Shirley will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, whom enjoyed their company with her.

In addition to Shirley’s parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Clifton “Red” Norris; her second husband, Chet Nicholson; daughter, Diane Westfall; siblings Bob “Jr.” Kennedy, Jack Kennedy, Gene Kennedy, Lucille Boyd, Ruth Archer, and Edwin Kennedy.

“God was always my first love, followed by my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters and brothers. None of these could exist without God, the Creator. I am home at last.” -Shirley

Visitation will take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, at Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd., Massillon, OH 44646, where funeral services will promptly follow at 1:30 PM. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.