Shirley E. Pavilonis

Racine- Shirley E. Pavilonis, 83, passed away at the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints Medical Center on Saturday, April 14, 2007. Shirley was born in Elizabeth, N.J. on March 4, 1924 to the late George and Betty (nee: Burns) Eriksen. On August 19, 1944 in Wilmington, DE she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Edward J. Pavilonis. They came to Racine in 1947 when Ed began his employment with SC Johnson Wax. A proud and tireless homemaker, Shirley was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. Among her interests, she was an avid reader; enjoyed sewing, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles; and bowling. Above all, she loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family. Surviving are her children, Grace “Andrea” Pavilonis of Los Angeles, CA; Eric (Julie Loving) Pavilonis of West Chester, PA; Lynn (Bob Elias) Pavilonis of Nashotah, WI; and Carl (Margit) Pavilonis of Greenfield, WI; 8 special grandchildren; 4 adored great-grandchildren; brother, Dr. George (Peggy) Eriksen of Wilmington, DE; and sister-in-law, Addie Pavilonis of Cleveland, OH. Further surviving are many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward, on January 8, 2001; and brother-in-law, Bernard Pavilonis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones and Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be at St. Lucy Church on Wednesday from 9:30 – 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Jane Cremer Foundation (for educating and empowering women in SE Wisconsin in the fight against cancer) has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, especially the nursing and support staff on 2D and the radiation techs; and to Dr. Richard N. Odders and Dr. Laura B. Ulmer for their compassionate care, support and friendship that was so warmly extended during Shirley’s courageous battle with cancer. Your kindness will always be remembered!