Shirley graduated in 1943 from Mount Clemens High School. At that time she worked at Selfridge Field in the beauty shop. After graduation, she worked as a receptionist in a small factory that built covered wagons. A year later she started working at the Mt Clemens Monitor Leader newspaper and radio station.
Shirley met her husband, James Mulligan II, on a blind date and she said it was love at first sight. Jim (Joe) had just returned from serving in the military during WWII where he had been wounded and treated at a hospital in Chicago. They were married December 4, 1948. As time passed, they had four children: James Mulligan III, Sheryl May, Michael Mulligan (Julie) and Ronald Mulligan (Martina). Shirley has four wonderful grandchildren: Kathryn Maloney (Matthew), Erin Mulligan, Matthew Mulligan and Marc Mulligan and one adorable great granddaughter, Harper Maloney.
As the years went by, Shirley worked as a florist at Pearce Floral in Pontiac, Michigan and she also worked at Fogler’s vegetable stand during the summer and fall. She loved to support Veterans and was very involved with Homer Wing Post 172 in Rochester and served as President of the 18th District American Legion Auxiliary for one year. She loved being with her grandchildren, traveling, painting, gardening and caring for her cats.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her parents Eugene and Mabel Mahon and her three brothers Bill, Russ and Ralph.
A visitation for Shirley will be Friday, August 15, 2025 from 9:30 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:30am at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48307. Interment will be at 1:30pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
Contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com for the Mulligan family.
