Shirley Mae Brizius

Shirley Brizius, born Shirley Mae Olson, passed from this life to forever be with Jesus on November 9, 2026 at the age of 99. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mabel Olson; her brother, Richard Olson; and her husband of 70 years, Charles Brizius.

She was born on September 11, 1927 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her family moved to Evansville when Shirley was 5 years old where she attended Stanley Hall Elementary, Bosse High School, and Evansville College (now University of Evansville) where she majored in Sociology. She worked as a caseworker for the Indiana Department of Welfare, serving families and connecting them with needed resources.

Shirley married Charles Brizius on May 5, 1951. They raised two sons and a daughter. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family and friends knew her to be resolute in character and tireless in caring for others.

Throughout her life she served her Evansville community in countless volunteer capacities; one of her favorites was driving Meals on Wheels. From teaching children’s Sunday School to planning high school reunions, Shirley was always ready to help. She and Charles were also big supporters of Habitat for Humanity. She used her talents - including sewing, various types of needlework, ceramics, and cooking - largely for the benefit of others. Shirley and Charles enjoyed hosting in their Evansville home as well as their home on Lake Barkley, where family and friends alike shared warmth, fun, laughter, dogs, and wonderful meals. Shirley leaves behind a legacy of generosity and of living her life for others. She loved her family and she cherished her friends.

Shirley was a long-time member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, and later, Christian Fellowship Church. She enjoyed studying God’s Word with Women’s Bible Study Fellowship for many years. She faithfully prayed for her family and others. When family was gathered for a meal, she ended every prayer with, “We thank You now for the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us”, with their hands gripped tightly in hers.

Shirley will be immeasurably missed by her children: Steven (Susan) Brizius, Scott (Lorelei) Brizius and Sally (Kirk) Cooper, and her grandchildren: Sarah (Kale) Schulz, Jennifer (Korey) Papa, Emma (Eric) Fritz, Abby Brizius, Evan (Anna) Brizius, Alex (Alexa) Brizius, Katie (Justin) Brush, Benjamin (Margaret) Cooper, Anna (Dustin) Porter, and Jonathan Cooper. She is also fondly remembered by 15 great-grandchildren, as well as a niece and 4 nephews.

Her funeral will be at Christian Fellowship Church in Evansville on Saturday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dale Beaver officiating with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Isaiah 117 House, https://Isaiah117house.com or Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, www.evansvillehabitat.org.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com