Shirley Ann (Pigeon) Hermans, 82, passed into new life Tuesday, November 19, 2013, surrounded by loved ones.
Shirley was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on May 13, 1931, to the late Walter and Marion Pigeon. After graduating from Luxemburg High School in 1949, she began working for the Brown County Extension Office. On October 11th, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Donald J. Hermans. This union was blessed with five children, 12 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Shirley enjoyed a rich professional career and was constantly helping others through many church and charitable organizations. In addition to the Brown County Extension Office, she also worked for the Brown County and Federal Soil Conservation Service, as secretary for SS. Peter and Paul Church, and finally as secretary for Aspiro (formally Brown County ARC). Shirley joined Don in retirement in December 1992, and then enjoyed 17 wonderful winters in Arizona.
Shirley’s volunteerism included serving as a 4-H general leader, cooking and serving food at a homeless shelter, assisting with many fundraisers for SS. Peter and Paul Church, serving as a Eucharistic minister, and singing in the choir. She was also a citizen advocate for people with disabilities.
Shirley’s hobbies included reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, traveling to see family and friends, going to dances with Don, and attending Packers games at Lambeau Field for almost 50 years.
By far her greatest joys in life were living her faith, sharing 61 years of marriage to Don, and attending the many activities and celebrations of her children and grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Donald; five children, Lynn (Allan) Dorner, Luxemberg, Sue (Doug) Schomberg, Burlington, WI, Mary (Larry) Connors, Green Bay, Mark (Jane) Hermans, Oshkosh, and Julie (Pari) Mody, Paris, France; 12 grandchildren, Melissa (Tom) Morris, Kimberly and Sarah Dorner, Samantha and Leah Schomberg, Shannon, Meghan and Matthew Connors, Alison (Patrick) Ostroth, Brianna and John Hermans, and Sanjay Mody; great-grandchildren, Adilynn Schroeder and William Morris, and Brendan and Sydney Ostroth; one brother, Gerald (Geraldine) Pigeon, Green Bay; one sister, Patricia (Ronald) Raasch, Shawano; one brother-in-law, Wayne (Donna) Hermans, DePere; one sister-in-law, Donna Hermans, Luxemberg; and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Larry Hermans.
Family and friends may gather to celebrate Shirley’s life from 4:00-8:00 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2013, at Malcore (East) Funeral Home, University Ave. at Baird Street. Wake service 7:00 pm Sunday. Visitation will continue Monday 9:00-11:00 am at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Monday at SS. Peter and Paul Church, 710 N. Baird St., with the Rev. Anthony Cirignani, OFM officiating. Entombment will be at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.
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Shirley served as an inspiration for family and friends with her faith, love, concern for others, and especially courage during her long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Unity Hospice, Helping Hands, Hospice Advantage, and the wonderful staff at Kindred Hearts Memory Care. A special thank you to Linda Kozloski, Shirley’s care coordinator.
Donations in Shirley’s memory will be used to support the Alzheimer’s Association and for memorial masses.