Sally Henry Memorial Award Winner—2006
Shirley Ann Holmes
by Lyn Cook
Since Shirley Ann graduated from the University of Guelph, Macdonald Institute in 1962, she has continuously played an active and very diverse role in the Home Economics profession. She has been an active member of the Canadian, Ontario and Toronto Home Economics Associations, and in 1988 coordinated the annual CHEA conference held in Guelph. She maintains close ties and has been actively involved in the Macdonald Institute Alumni Association and was honored for her many years of volunteer work during the 100th anniversary celebrations last year.
From her early days as a Home Economist at Salada Foods, to teaching undergraduates at Macdonald Institute, to managing her consulting business, Shirley Ann’s work has touched the lives of many fellow Home Economists who have had the opportunity to work with her and many consumers who may have tried her recipes that have included ingredients from aioli to zwieback and everything in between. Her curiosity and love of food, along with the wonderful ability to think ‘outside of the box’ have resulted in projects for numerous clients in recipe development, food styling, TV presentations, food and product demonstrations, large and small appliances and cookbooks and more.
Shirley Ann’s enthusiasm and curiosity have led her to continuously search, learn and try new ideas and her love of travel has given her the opportunity to expand what she may have first read about in Gourmet or Bon Appétit. Through her travels around the world, she has made friends in many countries and learned, first hand in their kitchens, the essence and importance of ingredients and techniques, then shared the ideas in her next project.
In addition to her own professional career, Shirley Ann has been involved and supported her husband Allan in Ontario Good Roads, Grand River Conservation Authority and Wellington county activities. She has continuously played an active role in her church; been a tremendous support for all members of hers and Allan’s family; and raised two successful children.
Shirley Ann is an active humanitarian, helping everyday people with everyday problems.
She continuously looks for ways to ease the path for family, friends and neighbors with a call, a visit, or a meal for an elderly person who is not very mobile, or someone who is recovering from an operation or illness, or a bereaved friend or family.
Someone once said, "If you need something done, ask a busy person". But, the wonderful part about knowing Shirley Ann is that you do not even have to ask. She instinctively knows when, where and how to help and is often the first one there to do so.
Shirley Ann has enjoyed a very successful career that is unmatched by many of her peers but has touched them in so many positive ways. She deserves the recognition of her peers at OHEIB for her exemplary career.
Shirley Ann Holmes is my friend and mentor and a very deserving recipient of Sally Henry Award 2004. Congratulations!
From Shirley Ann Holmes:
Since I was so surprised, stunned, shocked and speechless when I received the Sally Henry Award on Wednesday May 26, I wanted to express my thanks. Thank you to the Board of Directors for selecting me and once again to my good friend and colleague Lyn Cook for her nomination and her presentation.
I feel very privileged to have received this award from my peers in memory of a professional who gave me inspiration as a student to pursue a job as a Home Economist in Business. At the end of my third year at university I spent the summer working in the Bakery Research Lab at Canada Packers. At that time Sally Henry was Director of the Canada Packers Test Kitchen and she along with her assistant, Carol Ferguson were developing recipes for "BAKING for the love of it". Much to my excitement they requested the Bakery Research Lab to re-test all the recipes, giving me my first experience in recipe testing. In my fourth year the home economist from Chatelaine came to demonstrate and talk about food styling and recipe development. After that I knew I was hooked and have loved it ever since. As Lyn mentioned, I am passionate about travel - to learn about new ideas, foods and techniques in other areas and cultures.
It was also a thrill that night for me to be accompanied by another good friend and colleague, Marg Howard who has been my mentor for many years... so thanks to her too for much encouragement over the years.
I also want to thank my husband Allan not only for his encouragement with the various projects in my profession but also in getting my degree. I was very unhappy at university and wanted to quit until I finally got a chance to take the home economics courses, which I loved.... thank goodness he insisted I stick with it.
It is an honour to have my name on the plaque of the silver bowl with this special group of people, so thanks again to everyone.