Born May 2, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of Anthony Fischer and Emma Winter Fischer.
Shirley graduated from St. Mary's of Redford High School in Detroit and went on to build a life centered on faith and family. On July 10, 1954, she married her love, Jim Cheaney. Together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before Jim's passing in 2014.
Shirley devoted her life to raising her six children and creating a loving home filled with warmth, faith, and tradition. A devoted Catholic, she lived her faith through quiet acts of kindness, unwavering devotion to her family, and a deep commitment to her church. She found joy in needlepoint and cross-stitch, creating beautiful keepsakes for those she loved. She was also known for her baking and Sunday dinners, which brought family and friends together around her table. Shirley had a special affection for cats and always enjoyed their companionship.
She is lovingly remembered by her six children: Stephen (Janet) Cheaney, Chris (Patti) Cheaney, Rich (Karen) Cheaney, Larry (Renee) Cheaney, Alan Cheaney, and Barb (Don) Runyon; her thirteen grandchildren, Rachel, Michelle, Jeremy, Lauren, Christopher, Laura, Kelsey, Larry Jr., Alexa, Ella, Stephanie, Jessica and James; and her ten great-grandchildren, Ava, Patrick, Charlotte, Grace, Natalie, Katrina, Alex, Reyna, Cambria and Mara.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her parents, Anthony and Emma Fischer; and her sister, Arline Fischer Ellis.
Shirley's greatest legacy is the family she nurtured and the values of faith, love, perseverance, and kindness that she instilled across generations. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to thank Betty Mosby, for her eight years of compassionate and dedicated service to Shirley. Betty and Shirley shared faith, family and genuine love.
Family and friends are invited to visit Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 West Six Mile Road, on Wednesday, September 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Shirley will lie in state at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Memorial Mass at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan. A luncheon will follow at Saint John’s Resort. A private burial will take place later at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.
May she rest in the peace of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial contribution to St. Colette Catholic Church or the Pope Francis Center (meals and housing to those in need in Detroit).
