Shirley Joan Pena

Shirley Joan Peña of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Christmas morning, Sunday, December 25, 2022, at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. She was 80 years old. Shirley Joan Graverette was born on September 15, 1942, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late James F. and Helen (Hunt) Graverette. She was a proud 1961 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Following graduation, Shirley worked as a blind maker and as a lunch aide at Jerome Middle School. Shirley met the love of her life, Antonio Peña Jr., in 1980. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on January 3, 1991, in Saginaw; he preceded her in death on December 9, 2007. Shirley was also employed as a Sales Associate with Meijer, retiring after 10 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of her lifetime was to be a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Shirley loved watching her favorite programs, the Golden Girls and Little House on the Prairie. She also enjoyed bowling, listening to classic country music, and playing cards, especially Euchre. Shirley's little piece of heaven was creating blankets by crocheting. She will forever be remembered for treasuring and cherishing her grandchildren and watching them play ball, for having an insatiable sweet tooth for candy, for being a quiet, reserved, and sometimes sassy spirit, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many wonderful stories and memories.

Surviving are two children: Catherine (Aaron) Gerken of Reese; John Peña and his significant other, Krystle Sewell of Saginaw; five grandchildren: Emma Peña, John "J.J." Peña Jr., Jameson Peña, Henry Gerken, and Tony Gerken; sister, Sue Peña of Sanford; brother-in-law, Dan Yoder of Midland. Also surviving are many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Graverette; a sister, Helen Yoder, and many other family members.

A Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Road. Rev. Robert Menzel will officiate. Burial will follow at Denmark Township Cemetery in Reese. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.