Racine- Shirley Mae Brown, 83, passed away peacefully at the Becker-Shoop Center on Tuesday evening, January 6, 2009. Shirley was born in Youngstown, OH to the late Ernest and Avis (nee: Burgeson) Christiansen. She graduated from Von Steuben High School in Chicago, IL. Many years ago, Shirley was employed by All State Insurance. With a profound Christian faith, Shirley was an active member with Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, Calvary Memorial Church in Racine, and of more recent, First Evangelical Free Church in Racine. Outside of being involved with church activities, Shirley enjoyed lending a hand to those in need without expecting anything in return. She also liked to shop for a special deal at a garage sale or thrift store. Above all, she loved and treasured being in the surroundings of her entire family. Surviving are her children, Bonnie (Robert “Roby”) Swanson of Racine, John Brown of Richland Center and Barbara (Dominic) Lupo of Racine; daughter-in-law, Pat (Pete) Burbach of Racine; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marge Stevenson and Avis Moran; nieces, nephews, other dear relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank C. Brown in 1968; son, Thomas Brown in 1989; and sisters, Bernice Ehrenkrook and Miriam Layton. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, January 10, 2008 at 10 am with Rev. John Bodnar officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 9-10 am. A special note of thanks to the entire staff of Becker-Shoop Center, especially Nicole, Kara and the dedicated nursing team, for the compassionate care and loving support that was so warmly extended to Shirley during the past three years. May God bless all of you!
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