Marjorie Lorraine Shirley

The Lord welcomed an angel, Marjorie (Marge) Lorraine Shirley, into His Kingdom early Monday morning, August 28, 2017. Marge was born May 19, 1921, to Paul and Anna Demiere in Kankakee, Illinois. She took her last breath at home in her sleep under the loving care of her family and Hospice of San Angelo. Marge married William (Bill) Albert Shirley of Paris, Texas in June of 1942. Marge, a lifelong Catholic lady, developed her strong religious training attending parochial school from 1st grade through high school and then acquiring her college education at Saint Francis College in Jolliet, Illinois. Bill had little choice but to convert to Catholicism to marry this special lady. Marge and Bill had five children. William Albert Shirley, Jr., Tina Marie, Joel Paul, Christopher John and Robert Marc. Marge had her talented, loving hands full raising Bill Jr. while anticipating a large Catholic family when she and Bill first came to San Angelo to work for a local laundry. Bill, Jr. was born in Illinois while the rest of the children were born in San Angelo at St. John’s Hospital. Bill decided early on he needed two incomes so he purchased a flower shop in 1946 and worked two jobs for eleven years while Marge worked hard and lovingly at home raising their children. Marge loved a good game of bridge and developed many great friends over most of her adult life. She had played many times even in this 96th year of her life. She also enjoyed the fabulous arts and culture that San Angelo offers through the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra, the Angelo Civic theatre, the ASU productions and the many musical venues performing here. She loved the offerings served up in San Angelo’s unique cultural scene. Marge also served her community volunteering for Hospice of San Angelo for approximately 30 years. She carried cancer patients to Doctors appointments, and she taught English through Adult Literacy programs as well. Marge learned to be an exceptional cook under the tutelage of her mother Anna. She especially influenced Tina and Chris who are talented chefs in their own right. Another interesting strong love of Marge was baseball; especially Texas Ranger baseball. If there was a game on TV, Marge was watching and if not on TV, listened to on the radio. She is survived by her son, Bill, Jr. and wife Colleen, Tina and husband Robert Fitzhugh Newsome, Joel Paul and wife Sally, Chris, and Marc. Her grandchildren include Peyton Shirley and wife Ioana, Sarah Shirley, Sterling Shirley, Pascal Shirley and Sofia Shirley. Also, Shannon Shirley Jackson, two step grandchildren, Ashley and Michael Vaughan, 8 great grandchildren, one niece, Susan Greb and special family friends, Pat Becker and Melinda Morenz. Bill preceded her in death in 2000. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 2, 11:30am at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Needless but must be said, Marge loved flowers and their loving sentiment and beauty only God could create. Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.