Shirley Hooper
June 2nd, 1946 - November 4th, 2023
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Shirley's Obituary
Shirley A. Hooper (nee Bolinger), age 77, of South Haven, Michigan, passed away on November 4, 2023 with her loving husband George at her side. Shirley was born on June 2, 1946 to Donald and Virginia Bolinger of Paw Paw, Michigan, where she grew up and lived until she graduated from high school. In her final years of high school, she met the love of her life George Hooper of South Haven, Michigan and they married shortly after her graduation in June 1964.
Shirley had many passions in life, among them helping others and children. She found her calling as a Pediatric Nurse, working for South Haven Community Hospital for many years before eventually transitioning to working for Van Buren County in maternal support services in support of mothers and their newborns. She was also a ham radio enthusiast, best known for her Morse Code skills and for making friends across the world. In 1986, she won the Corcoran Award in the Young Ladies North American contest for the most contact points in both voice and Morse Code. She was a dedicated mother, always a willing teacher, and avid crafter with yarns and threads. In her later years, after retiring as an RN, she was very involved with the South Haven branch of Senior Services of Van Buren County and was a volunteer for the South Haven Community Hospital.
Shirley’s memory will forever be cherished by her doting and dedicated husband of 59 years, George. Together, they built a life rich in love and shared memories. She is also survived by their four children George (Mary Sue), Christopher (Rosy), Charles, and Katherine (Nicolas), five grandchildren Brianne, Ben, Erica, Eldon, and Adrian, two nieces Beth Tameling and Jill Rueda, step-mother Barb Bolinger, brother Robert (Rose) Bolinger of Kalamazoo, MI, her dear friend Pat Armen, and many beloved cousins and life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Donald Bolinger and Virginia Bryant, her step-brother William Bolinger, and her sisters-in-law Dorothy Schaaf and Joan Corey Hoyt.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Hospice team for the generous care and compassion that Shirley received in her final months of life.
Shirley’s legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. May her gentle spirit find eternal peace and her memory continue to inspire us all.
Visitation for Shirley will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Avenue, South Haven, Michigan, 49090. Pastor Ron Hall will officiate. Shirley will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Senior Services of Van Buren County, South Haven branch in her name. To view Shirley’s personal webpage please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Shirley had many passions in life, among them helping others and children. She found her calling as a Pediatric Nurse, working for South Haven Community Hospital for many years before eventually transitioning to working for Van Buren County in maternal support services in support of mothers and their newborns. She was also a ham radio enthusiast, best known for her Morse Code skills and for making friends across the world. In 1986, she won the Corcoran Award in the Young Ladies North American contest for the most contact points in both voice and Morse Code. She was a dedicated mother, always a willing teacher, and avid crafter with yarns and threads. In her later years, after retiring as an RN, she was very involved with the South Haven branch of Senior Services of Van Buren County and was a volunteer for the South Haven Community Hospital.
Shirley’s memory will forever be cherished by her doting and dedicated husband of 59 years, George. Together, they built a life rich in love and shared memories. She is also survived by their four children George (Mary Sue), Christopher (Rosy), Charles, and Katherine (Nicolas), five grandchildren Brianne, Ben, Erica, Eldon, and Adrian, two nieces Beth Tameling and Jill Rueda, step-mother Barb Bolinger, brother Robert (Rose) Bolinger of Kalamazoo, MI, her dear friend Pat Armen, and many beloved cousins and life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Donald Bolinger and Virginia Bryant, her step-brother William Bolinger, and her sisters-in-law Dorothy Schaaf and Joan Corey Hoyt.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Hospice team for the generous care and compassion that Shirley received in her final months of life.
Shirley’s legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. May her gentle spirit find eternal peace and her memory continue to inspire us all.
Visitation for Shirley will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Avenue, South Haven, Michigan, 49090. Pastor Ron Hall will officiate. Shirley will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Senior Services of Van Buren County, South Haven branch in her name. To view Shirley’s personal webpage please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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