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NORWAY -- Shirley May Stanaway Evance, 95, passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family, and went to her heavenly home on June 1, 2023.
She was born May 1, 1928, in Norway, to Frederick James and Annanell (Peters) Stanaway. Shirley married Wallace Evance on June 12, 1948.
She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth (William) Marchetti, Jean (Roger) Board and Mona (Patrick) Servia. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Dione Parker, Chuck Parker (Tiffany LaFond), Amanda Board (Ashley Bishop), and Alissa (Dave) Johnson; and eight great-grandchildren, Alexis (Hank) Goodchild, Evan Marchetti, Haley (Marcus Michaud) Clifford, Mackenzie Clifford, Madison Haley, Tyler Parker, Caitlin Parker and Louis Parker. She has one great-great-grandchild, Genevieve Goodchild, with a brother on the way. She also leaves behind a special niece, Bonnie Castle Marth; and a special nephew, Alan Morneau.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace, on Feb. 18, 2014; her granddaughter, Tara Faye Board, on May 9, 2018; her brothers Fred, Sheldon, William, Gerald (died in infancy); and her sisters, Adrienne, Carol, Janet and Sarah.
She graduated from Norway High School, Class of 1946. Shirley moved to Superior, Wis., to pursue employment as a bookkeeper, where she resided for two years until her marriage. Shirley had a strong work ethic at home and on the various jobs she had throughout her life. Her favorite work was at a tree nursery, but she also worked at the Norway Sewing Factory, Sears and social services as their accountant until she retired.
Family was the most important thing in life to Shirley, who was affectionately called Gigi. She had a special talent for engaging with children and making them feel special. Her relationships with family members and friends were her riches in life and she cherished time with them. Shirley was a quiet person with a loving, kind and generous personality. She was a great listener and had the gift of encouragement.
Shirley enjoyed gardening, especially her flowerbeds. She was a wonderful cook, baker, canner, and hostess. "Gigi" had her special Wednesday meal days with grandchildren and continued that tradition with her great-grandchildren, up into her mid-80s. They looked forward to her burritos, steaks, and chili. Shirley taught family and friends how to make her signature cheese ravioli and pasties, and there are many fond memories of baking Christmas cookies with her.
Once Shirley was retired, she and her husband "Dede" would dance in the afternoons as part of their exercise routine. They did all types of dances, but the waltz was their favorite. The great-grandchildren loved Gigi and Grandad to "perform" when visiting, so they would do some demonstrations and then take the children as partners and before you know it the whole gang was dancing -- their favorite was "Rockin' Robin."
In her later years Shirley was a prolific reader, and was kept supplied with the latest releases by various family members and friends. She enjoyed watching Pastor Charles Stanley, "Jeopardy," "Wheel of Fortune," "Lawrence Welk," "High School Bowl," and Packers games. One of her favorite activities was feeding and watching the birds and other wildlife out of her big kitchen window, and participating in the bird counts. She enjoyed doing puzzles and playing her favorite board games, Sequence, Rummikub, Scrabble, and Bunko with many family members and friends through the years. Shirley loved music; she had a beautiful voice and loved to play piano for her private audiences.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.
Funeral services will be held at noon at the funeral home, with Pastor Richard Yates officiating.
Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery.
The family hopes to visit with friends at the luncheon, which will be served at the Evangelical Covenant Church at 120 Odill Road in Norway.
The family wishes to say a special thank you to dear friends Marvin and Marion Pollard, Joyce Hinds, Neil and Suzette Stenfors and family, Suzanne Cattelan, and Branden, Paige and Joanna Forst, who supplied a great deal of support and love on a continual basis throughout Shirley's last years. They brought meals, goodies, smiles, and hugs. Gigi was blessed with friends of all ages who came and visited bearing gifts and love.
The family wants to also thank Dr. Paul Hayes for years of devotion and care and Tammy from Marshfield Hospice for her assistance during Shirley's final days.
Condolences to the family of Shirley may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.
Shirley Evance
Shirley Evance