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NIAGARA, Wis. -- Shirley Mae Panis, 94, of Niagara, passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Evergreen Assisted Living in Norway.
She was born Nov. 22, 1931, in Norway, the daughter of the late Emil and Julia (Mikolajczyk) Enama.
Shirley graduated from Norway High School in 1949, and attended Dundan's Business School.
In 1954, while dancing at the J & J Club, Shirley met the love of her life, Joseph Panis. Just one year later they were united in holy matrimony at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan on June 18, 1955. They continued to share their love for one another for 67 years, until Joe preceded her in death on Aug. 16, 2022.
Shirley worked at the Norway Needlecraft, she was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Niagara Township Homemakers Club and served as the secretary and treasurer for many years.
Along with her husband she kept very busy on the family farm, but when they could, they found time to take their children on family vacations and spend time with her grandchildren. Shirley and Joe enjoyed going and never missed a Minnesota State Fair.
Shirley enjoyed baking, flower gardens and puzzles. She liked attending plays and concerts with friends, spending time with family at Eric and Julie's camp, 4 wheeler rides on her farm and roads, traveling with their campers and especially loved spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her son, Michael (Sally) Panis of Centennial, Colo.; daughters Julie (Eric) Hansen of Green Bay, Wis., and Mary (Donald) Drogemuller of Norway; grandchildren Brady (Clare) Panis, Dylan Panis, Jon Panis, Jenna (Anthony) Erno, Tyler (Destini) Hansen, Kayla (Kyle) Hansen-Fox, Morgan (Amos) Mahoney, and Julia (Brian) Miller; great-grandchildren Bryce and Carsen Erno, Kyler, Kinsley and Kolsen Hansen-Fox, Macie Mahoney and Ella, Jade and Lily Miller; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Rosemary Van Peymbrock, Lila Sajnog, Patty Dupuis and Joe Geldmeyer.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, David; brother Jerome (Cleo) Enama; sister Lorraine (Cal) Thomas; and sisters-in-law Marie Rochetti and Louise "Wizzy" Panis.
According to Shirley's wishes there will be private funeral services at a later date.
Condolences to the family of Shirley may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.