Shirley M. Allison

Shirley M. Allison, age 90, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan passed away on April 30, 2021. She was born on June 11, 1930, to the proud parents of Edgar and Flossie Mullens. Shirley has been the beloved wife of Donald D. Allison for 65 years. She is the loving mother to Barbara (Bruce) Hoenle, Geoffrey (Jean Sukis-Allison) Allison, and Beth Allison Flannery. Shirley is the cherished grandma to Brian (Noelle) Hoenle, Patrick (Katie) Hoenle, and Carley Allison. She is the great grandmother to Luke Hoenle and Lilly Hoenle. Shirley is the dear sister of Donald (Judy) Mullens and sister in law to Gordon (Emily) Allison. Shirley will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

After living in various towns in Michigan, Shirley’s family eventually moved to Baldwin, Michigan when she was a teen-ager. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donald. They began dating at the age of 15 and continued for the next 75 years.

Shirley graduated as valedictorian from Baldwin High School in 1948 and continued her education at Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University) where she earned a degree in pharmacy. Shirley was one of the only women in her pharmacy classes at Ferris, sometimes the lone woman, which was significant at that time. A trailblazer was she. She would never have dreamed of bragging about this, but we, her family, can.

After she graduated, Shirley took a job as a pharmacist in Baldwin, and later Albion, Michigan, where she worked until she and Donald married in 1955.

After she and Donald raised their three children, Shirley renewed her pharmacy license and went back to work in various independent pharmacies, plus a hospital pharmacy, for 30 years. Being a pharmacist was never just a job to Shirley. She enjoyed her career greatly, and enjoyed meeting and helping people.

One of Shirley’s favorite pastimes was watching Michigan State University football and basketball. She and Donald were football season ticketholders for 25 years, and although she did not attend MSU, she appeared to be a more fervent fan than even Donald who actually graduated from MSU.

Thanks to supportive bosses and pharmacist colleagues, Shirley was able to take several weeks off each year to travel the world with Donald. They visited over 40 countries throughout the world, and made long-lasting friends in the process.

Shirley loved being a grandmother. She had 3 grandchildren who never ceased to amaze her, and who always put a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face. Shirley was also a great-grandmother to two. Due to her health, she was not able to enjoy their presence in the same manner as she did her grandchildren, but there is no doubt that they would have brought her just as much joy.

Shirley will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or United Breast Cancer Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday May 6, 2021, at Kaul Funeral Home 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Burial will take place at Pleasant Plains Township Cemetery in Baldwin, Michigan at a later date.