Shirley L. Laurin, of Farmington Hills, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Shirley was born in Detroit, MI, May 4, 1936, the daughter of the late Lila and Edwin Ruonavar.

Shirley loved her upbringing in the Upper Peninsula in the small town of Gay, MI.  She visited her "roots" annually on July 4th, enjoying the traditional parade and reuniting with family & friends.  She had many gifts and loved serving others.  Holidays were strewn with beautifully wrapped gifts and meals fit for royalty that she spent hours in preparing for loved ones to enjoy a special day.  She never missed a birthday, sending cards & gifts.  Her caregiving was evident in lives of seniors as well.  She "adopted" a woman from her office who had no family and included her in our home & holiday meals.  She was diligent in loving & caring for her mother through many years of health challenges, often sleeping on her couch to be with her.  She loved her work as an administrative assistant and was exceptional in all she did.  She believed in working hard to accomplish what you need and make a difference.   She also took time to enjoy life. She had so much fun dancing as a young girl in the small town dance halls where she grew up.  That joy continued with her beloved husband of 27 years, Andy.  They danced with their polka group who met faithfully, enjoying great times and friendships with the accordion and musical talents of the group.  They shared many laughs and good times attending festivals in Frankenmuth and Cleveland annually.Among Shirley's many talents was the gift of gardening.  She loved seeing the beauty in flowers and spent countless hours planting, cultivating and caring for her yard. Wherever she was, she made things beautiful.  She also loved animals, especially kitties.  She so enjoyed her precious furry friends through the years and cared for countless stray cats who found their way to her home. She also had a special place of honor for all those who serve our country.  She had treasured memories as a little girl of WWII ending and everyone running into the street crying and hugging one another in joy.  She continued to support organizations that provided for Veterans/Military.  She was a faithful Patriot and prayed daily for our country and those defending it.  Her tender, generous, caring heart made more of an impact than she could ever have known.  A blessing to all who knew and loved her.  A life well lived and beautiful legacy.

Shirley is the loving wife of Andy; beloved mother of Cheri Otzenberger (neé Laurin) and Gary Laurin; cherished grandmother of Corey and Chelsea.

A funeral service celebrating Shirley's life will be held Wednesday, December 13, 1 pm, at the funeral home.  Her family will receive friends beginning at 11 am.

A private ceremony will follow the service at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

Shirley's family requests that in lieu flowers, please make a memorial contribution in her name to Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption.

Please keep Shirley's entire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.