Travel was one of Shirley's greatest joys. She toured Europe for two weeks after high school with her choir group and later fulfilled her proud goal of visiting all 50 states. She proudly served in the United States Navy, completing boot camp before beginning the next chapter of her life. She had a deep love for babies and caring for little ones, always ready with what she called “grouch medicine” — a small sweet treat meant to turn tears into smiles. Creative and generous, she painted countless Bob Ross–style landscapes and gifted many of them to family and friends, leaving pieces of herself hanging on their walls.
A loyal friend and devoted grandmother, she was bold, strong-willed, and adamant about being known as the “Queen B.” She embraced that title fully and lived life on her own terms.
Her memory lives on in the art she shared, the places she explored, and the laughter of the children she adored.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sopcich; her parents, Harlan and Pauline; her brothers, Roland (Butch) Jorgensen, Alan Jorgensen, and Gerald Jorgensen; her sister, Darla Jorgensen; and her stepson, Eric Sopcich.
She is survived by her children, Kat Smith (Jeremy), Mary Lane (Troy), Matt Sopcich (Maria), Jennifer Duff (Paul), and Brandon Workman (Cassi); her siblings, Susan Carey, Tammy Cleveland, and bonus sister, Lorri Sell; her grandchildren, Alexandra Gustafson, Taylor Baldwin (Parker), Jakob Gustafson, Ryan Lane, Jordan Lane, Skyler Lane, Wolfgang Sopcich, Katarina Sopcich, Isabella Sopcich, Amanda Douglass (Matt), Adam Church, Austin Church, and BJ and Anica Workman; her great-grandchildren, Ayla Oltmanns, Liam, Lennon, Leo, and Lorence Baldwin, Oliver Gustafson, Bradley, Kate, and Madelyn Douglass, and Ryker, Owen, and Bexley Church; as well as many extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family or to a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held on February 19, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, located at 441 North Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska.
The funeral service will take place on February 20, 2026 at 10:30 am at Kahler Dolce Mortuary. Interment will follow at Papillion Cemetery.
