Shirley Moore

Born in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of A. F. (Bunny) Johnson and Golda (Sayles) Johnson.

At the age of five, Shirley and her family moved from Detroit to Laurium where they lived for five years and then moved to Marquette.

Graduating with high honors from Graveraet High School in 1939, Shirley enrolled at Northern State Teachers College (now N.M.U.). From an early age, she was interested in and was always involved in activities. As a student, it wasn’t long before she was committed to projects, especially in the music department. She again earned high honors when she graduated in 1943. In 1941, she was Marquette”Ćs winter queen, presiding over the life-size Navy destroyer that was part of that year’s winter carnival.

Fiance Bob joined the Marine Corps, becoming a pilot. When Bob received his commission in 1943, they were married. That marriage was an adventure that lasted for 75 years.

After the war ended Bob retired from active duty and their new life began.

During her married life, Shirley became very active in the community as a member of numerous organizations. She served as the president of the Junior Women’s Service Club, and later presided over the Century Club, a study group. She was invited to act as an off-campus adviser to the national Greek Sorority (Chi Omega) on NMU’s campus which she enjoyed, becoming very busy helping them with their campus activities. Shirley was one of the original volunteers at then St. Luke’s Hospital and remained in the program for many years. When a new gift shop was established, she and her good friend Genevieve Rule, were appointed as co-managers which required long hours and much effort on their part. With the help of other volunteers, the shop became a success and its profits were used for various hospital projects.

Always enjoying sports, Shirley loved to golf, and was a staunch supporter of the Marquette Golf and Country Club, donating much of her time to various projects. In later years, she was also very active in the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee when it was a very young organization, and remained a member for many years.

Influenced by that group, her pet project was the planting of many memorial trees honoring friends and family in the triangle park on Lake Shore Boulevard on the way to the Island. Unfortunately, they were all destroyed during a city project.

In addition to involvement in the community, Shirley loved to travel. For several years, she and three friends (known as The Deer Hunters’ Widows) travelled to several countries, always enjoying the people and the country’s history.

Shirley was a very enthusiastic person. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was fun to be with and enjoyed many things: all winter sports, a long walk in the woods made her day, she was very adept at many crafts and tried them all, in earlier years breezing down the highway on her Honda always brought a smile, she was a serious bird watcher, cooking and baking were a specialty, she was an avid reader, was supportive of the local art world, enjoyed music, (especially Jazz), aviation, (she loved flying, always wanting to get a pilot’s license) and the Packers!

Shirley kept herself informed on happenings in the community, the nation and around the world and enjoyed active discussions with friends, which sometimes got a little wild.

In later years, Shirley chose to remain in the background, yet was always willing to help someone. There are many in the community who will remember her for her behind-the-scene helpfulness and generosity.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Gini Riggs, granddaughter, Krystal Riggs, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Brian and husband, Bob.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, December 1, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. This will be an informal time for the sharing of memories, conversation, and refreshments. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to the Marquette City Band, 300 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, or to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI, 49808.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.