Age 78 of Presque Isle, MI and Venice, FL passed away among her family in Livonia, MI on November 1, 2013 after a long illness.
Born in 1935 to Max and Dorothy Koehler as the second of six children, she spent her childhood in the Livonia and Farmington area. A graduate of Livonia Bentley High School and Henry Ford School of Nursing, she married Theodore Kovarik, a Livonia fireman and Navy veteran in 1957.
While raising her family in Livonia, Shirley worked for the state of Michigan Department of Community Health at the Hawthorn Center. She retired in 1987 as a Nursing Supervisor.
Throughout her life, Shirley was active in many organizations including the local 4-H club, the Foresters, multiple golf and bowling leagues and the Venice, FL Moose club where she achieved the status of Senior Regent. She was a devoted Detroit sports fan and avid golfer. Other interests include gardening, painting and reading. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Shirley could most often be found in an official role in any organization.
She was a generous, kind and compassionate woman who will be missed by many. “Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength.”
She is survived by her children; Terrence (Dellrose) of Green Bay; Susan (Paul); Thomas; and Richard (Kristin). Grandchildren: Thomas, Kristina, Kathleen, Samantha, Patrick and Matthew as well as the 7th grandchild expected in April. Sisters: Donna Burton of Alpena and Carol Stevenson of Venice, FL, as well as step-granddaughter Angela and her three children Isis, Indira and Averey. Dear friend, William Roy of Venice, FL also survives her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Theodore, her brothers Gerald and Kenneth and sister, Lois.
The family would like to thank all those who knew and loved Shirley and made every day of her life meaningful and full of joy.
Memorial donations can be made to Angela Hospice (Livonia, MI) or Mooseheart Child City and School (Mooseheart, IL).
Visitation will be held at Harry J. Will Funeral Home of Livonia on Sun. Nov. 3 from 3-8pm with a rosary/scripture service at 7pm and again on Mon. Nov. 4 from 3-8 with a funeral service at 6:30pm. Additional visitation will be held at Bannan Funeral Home of Alpena, MI on Tues. Nov. 5 from 4-8pm. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Annes Catholic Church in Alpena, MI on Wed. Nov. 6 at 10am. Final Interment will be at Presque Isle Township Cemetery following the funeral mass.
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