Shirley M. Weiland

Shirley Mae Weiland, 88, of Benton Harbor, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 13 at home surrounded by her family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 3003 Leco Ct., with Rev. Wade Panse officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made either to the Humane Society of SW Michigan, the Audubon Society, or the Organ Fund of St. Joseph United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Shirley was born on October 19, 1917 in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was one of four children born to John & Della Dalnodar. On October 2, 1939, she married Donald Weiland in Wausau. Together they had two daughters, Karen and Dona. Shirley resided in St. Joseph since 1952. She was active in her community serving as treasure of Jefferson School PTA, as a Brownie leader and Y-Teen Leader. Shirley served two years as Vice-president of the YWCA and in 1968 became president to the YWCA Board. As a longtime active member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, she held many positions including, Monday Musical, Chairman of Music & Worship, a Sunday School Teacher, served in the Church Circle and sang for many years in the church choir. Shirley’s hobbies included music, reading, and cooking, but her passion in life was her gardening. She enjoyed giving all sorts of vegetables and flowers to her friends. She once said, “I’m a real nut for flowers and vegetables.” Shirley is survived by her daughters, Karen Marshall (Bill Littlefield) of New York, NY, and Dona (Bob) Abel of Redding, CT; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; and her brothers, Bob, Bill, and Jim Dalnodar. Her spirit of generosity and giving will be remembered by all of those who knew her. She is dearly loved and will be missed.