Shirley J. Galisdorfer

Shirley was born on June 5, 1930, in Buffalo, New York, the beloved only child of Bertha and Lester Bonham. She graduated from Bennett High School and later completed a three-year retailing program at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She married her high school sweetheart, John C. Galisdorfer, and together they began their life as a family in Cherry Point, North Carolina, while John served in the United States Marine Corps. After his service and the birth of their first son, Mark, they returned to Buffalo as John began his career in sales. Two more sons, Kurt and Eric, soon followed, and Shirley’s greatest pride became her growing family. The years brought moves to Cleveland, Ohio, and then Charlotte, North Carolina, where she welcomed her only daughter, Jill Marie. The family eventually settled in Racine, Wisconsin, where all four children completed college and married—milestones that brought Shirley deep joy.

In 1990, Shirley and John retired to Hampstead, North Carolina, where they fully embraced coastal life—walks near the beach, year-round golf, and the easy kindness they found in their community. They were devoted members of Lutheran Church of Reconciliation. Shirley’s life also held heartbreak: John died in a bicycle–car accident in 1999, and Jill passed away in 2011 after an incurable illness. In 2013, Shirley sold the home they had built and moved to a retirement community in Wilmington, where she lived until her death. Even in later years, she stayed active and connected, finding happiness in gardening, traveling, golfing, bowling, playing bridge, and going to the movies. Above all, Shirley treasured time with her family and friends. She had a generous spirit and gave back through many years volunteering with Meals on Wheels, along with service at her church and the community gift shop.

Shirley’s love lives on in her family. She is survived by her sons, Mark Galisdorfer (Lynette), Kurt Galisdorfer (Cynthia), and Eric Galisdorfer (Sandra); her grandchildren, Roxanne Barber (Kyle), Brittany Galisdorfer (Dave White), Angela Galisdorfer (Patrick Gellenbeck), Kacy Galisdorfer and Courtney Barnard (Matt); and her great-grandchildren, Ella, Gianna, Clare, and Louis Barber and Vance White. She is also survived by her cherished niece, Colleen Craig, and nephew, Marty McGrath (Donna).

The family will gather for a private celebration of Shirley’s life at Topsail Beach in June.