Shirley Mae Meuwissen passed away peacefully in her Beaverton home surrounded by her loving husband, Bernie, her sons, grandchildren and four of her sisters from Minnesota, Margie, Georgian, Mary and Gloria. Born and raised in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, Shirley was the second oldest of the eight children of George and Margaret Weinzierl. Despite growing up in difficult economic times, the family was filled with laughter and love.
At a county dance in high school, Shirley met a young college student, Bernard Meuwissen, from Colonge, Minnesota. Within one year the two were married in 1954 and started a union that would last 58 years. Bernie was drafted and sent to France in February 1955 and an 18 year old Shirley joined her husband, crossing the Atlantic Ocean on an army transport to start their married life. While stationed in France, Shirley gave birth to their first son Michael in late 1955. After completing this adventure in France, they came home to be with family and settled in Bloomington, Minnesota. Here the family was blessed with two more sons, David in 1957 and James in 1960.
In 1968, Bernard was transferred to work in New York and the family moved to Freehold, New Jersey where Shirley spent time visiting New York City and raising a family. In 1972 the family transferred to Beaverton, Oregon where Shirley fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. During this time she loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports and joined in their love of following the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins.
Being a passionate mother was a full time job for Shirley and she devoted her life to the support and care of her family. This trait continued as a grandmother as she would spend hours playing with her grand children and offering support as they grew into adulthood. Shirley was a warm, vibrant and caring individual who always took time to talk with friends or strangers and offer a helping hand, wise advice and a warm and embracing hug.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bernie Meuwissen of Beaverton, Oregon; sons Michael Meuwissen and family of Houston, Texas; David Meuwissen and family of Portland, Oregon and Jim Meuwissen and family of Beaverton, Oregon. Grand Children: Michelle Meuwissen and family, Tyler Meuwissen and family, Matthew Meuwissen and family, Samuel Meuwissen and family, Marcus Meuwissen, Nichole Meuwissen, Travis Meuwissen and Sarah Meuwissen; and 5 great grandchildren. Sisters and brothers include: Betty Charland, Margaret Shinehouse, Georgian Hilgers, Mary Caspeson, George Weinzierl Jr., GloriaThiesfeld and Ronald Weinzierl.
A Rosary will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday Oct. 4 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Beaverton Oregon. A funeral Mass will follow at 12 noon. Remembrance in Shirley’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1650 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 190, Portland, OR 97209
PEACE LOVE HAPPINESS
For those that would like to send flowers, should go to Pegg, Paxson, & Springer Funeral Chapel in Beaverton or St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
Arrangements by Young's Funeral Home in Tigard, Oregon.
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