Shirley Ann Masar

Shirley Ann Masar

Hemlock, Michigan

Our loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022, age 87 years. Daughter of the late Peter and Marion (Frank) Howley, Shirley was born on December 31, 1934 in Saginaw, Michigan. Tragically, Shirley’s mother passed away due to pneumonia when Shirley was only five weeks old. Shirley’s father moved with Shirley to his parents’ farm in Merrill, Michigan. Shirley grew up on the Howley family farm surrounded by the love of her “Daddy” and her grandparents, whom she lovingly referred to as “Ma” and “Gam”. Throughout her adult life, Shirley enjoyed sharing stories with her children and grandchildren about growing up on a farm, including gathering eggs, leading cows back to the barn, riding horses and hoeing beans.

Shirley graduated from Sacred Heart High School and took a job as a telephone operator at Bell Telephone. She loved her job and made friends easily.

Shirley was walking down the sidewalk in Hemlock one day and caught the eye of a young man named Ted. Ted told his friend that day that he just spotted the most beautiful woman that he had ever seen and vowed to meet her and someday marry her. A friend of Ted’s arranged a double date so the two could meet. Ted and Shirley began dating and soon fell in love. Shirley and Ted were married January 22, 1955. One year later, they welcomed their first child – a son. The following year their family grew again with the birth of their daughter. Shirley quit her job as a telephone operator to be a full-time stay-at-home mom. Ted and Shirley made their home and raised their family in Hemlock.

Over the years, Shirley volunteered her time in their church, St. Mary Catholic Church (now St. John XXIII Parish), as a member of the Altar Society, a “greeter” at mass and assisted with funeral dinners. She enjoyed many hobbies, such as quilting, making pillows, pine cone decorations, bowling at Crooked Creek and vacationing with Ted.

Shirley gave tirelessly of her time to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cherished her family, extended family and friends. But above all, her greatest joy came from the love she shared with her husband.

Shirley managed to find joy every day, despite the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the last few years of her life.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband: Theodore Masar; children: James (Lisa) Masar, Patricia Kinsman (James Piazza); grandchildren: Justin (Michelle) Masar, Michael Masar, Scott Kinsman (Jamie Sims); great-grandchildren: Dylan Masar, Madden Masar, Lauren Kinsman, Lindsey Kinsman, George Kinsman; step-grandchildren: Faith (Brian) Jones, Christopher (Linda) Kinsman; step-great-grandchildren: Ethan, Nicholas and Abigail Jones, and Boston Davis; several in-laws, cousins and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her and Ted’s miscarried baby.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Schnepp’s Senior Care & Rehab and Shields Comfort Care, who provided love, as well as care, to Shirley.

Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill, Michigan 48637. Rev. Chuck Howley will officiate. Honoring Shirley’s wishes, cremation will follow her service. A private burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022 at funeral chapel, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral chapel. Rosary Service will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus Council #2291 at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.