Shirley Ann Stamp

Shirley Ann Stamp (Wise), 99, of Marco Island, Florida (formerly Hartville & Akron, OH) passed away on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, after a brief illness. Shirley was surrounded by love from her family and special friend/caregiver, Myrlene, at the time of her death. She (along with her sparkling, blue eyes and contagious smile) will be forever missed.

Shirley began her life on January 26, 1926, in Kent, Ohio, the only child of Mildred M. Wise and Arthur R. Wise. She graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Akron City Hospital School of Nursing in Akron, Ohio, graduating as an RN in 1948.

Shirley married Richard B. Stamp on October 19, 1947. They were married for 43 years, raised 5 daughters and had 9 grandchildren prior to Richard’s death in January of 1990.

Putting her nursing skills to use through volunteer work for the American Red Cross Shirley also cared for many friends and family who were ill. As a 40+ year Marco Island resident, Shirley was active in the Marco Island Art League, the Civil Air Patrol, and sang in the choir of the Marco Island Methodist Church. She was often found with her feet in the sand or on her balcony watching the boats and dolphins. Rarely did she miss a sunset.

Shirley deeply loved and was very proud of all her “girls” and grandchildren. She also loved aviation, the arts (especially music) and was a talented piano player and vocalist from a young age. She also became an accomplished painter and was known for her keen design and fashion sense. Shirley lived with a sense of adventure and was getting her pilot’s license and had already soloed, when her husband had a heart attack and could no longer “pilot” with her.

Shirley had a free spirit, never letting life’s challenges or societal trappings squelch her fun-loving, positive outlook on life. Known as Grandma Stars by her 9 grandchildren and Grandma Dolphin by her 14 great-grandchildren, she also adopted the nickname “Sassy” originally given to her by her husband, Richard, for her painting signature. All three of these nicknames reflect her personality perfectly. Shirley brightened the lives of everyone who knew her and even those that came into brief contact with her.

Remaining to cherish the memory of Shirley and keep her spirited ways alive are her daughters: Susan E. Biscan (Don), Deborah L. Cuthbert/Waters, Barbara J. Daire/Sierra, Shirley L. Shriver (Rob); her grandchildren; Samuel M. Wise, Rebecca Bucksbarg (Joe), Philip Biscan (Bambi), Jessica Gaitan (Freddy), Evan Cuthbert (Ashley), James Daire (Katie), Laura Daire (James), Kevin Daire and Steven Sierra as well as her 14 great-grandchildren: Richard and Nicholas Wise, Ryan and Owen Daire; Leo, Ariana and Cailan Gaitan; McKayla, Maddox and Harper Biscan, Tessa and Roman Bucksbarg, and Aylen and Kai Daire/Kruger.

Preceding Shirley in death are her spouse, Richard B. Stamp; her daughter, Phyllis Stamp Wise; and her parents, Mildred M. and Arthur R. Wise.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in Marco Island, FL, the date will be announced in the coming weeks. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Shirley’s memory may be directed to the American Heart Foundation or the Society for the Blind charities.

https://www.heart.org/en/why-give

https://www.societyfortheblind.org/process-donation/

Online condolences may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/marco-island-fl/shirley-stamp-12367235