Shirley (Simonson) Koteles

February 27, 1935 - January 11, 2022

Shirley May (Simonson) Koteles, age 86, of Grand Haven passed away January 11, 2022 at Grand Pines Assisted Living facility. She was born February 27, 1935 in Muskegon to Walter and Eva (Faucher) Simonson. She graduated from St. Jean’s High School in 1953 and married Michael John Koteles February 11, 1956. Shirley filled her life by working both inside and outside of the home. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she held several clerical/office positions at a variety of locations in the Grand Haven area including North Ottawa Community Hospital and VK&A architects. She especially enjoyed her most recent position at St. Mary’s Church in Spring Lake where she managed the church’s census and contributions records and served as an ambassador to new parishioners. Shirley loved to volunteer wherever she could. At St. Mary’s, she assisted with funeral lunches, the St. Mary’s School Festival, and was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for many years. She also volunteered for the American Cancer Society and the Feast of the Strawberry Moon (through the Tri-Cities Historical Museum). She is survived by her four children: Mary Buzuma of Grand Haven, Martha Koteles of Grand Haven, Jane Ladley of Muskegon, Michael J. Koteles, Jr. of Grand Haven, two grandchildren: Eric Schaufler and Evan Ladley, and one sister: Joan (Simonson) Gardner, of Norton Shores. She was preceded in death by her husband Michael and her brothers Marvin Simonson and Glen Simonson. Funeral services for Shirley will be held on Wednesday, March 16 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake. Friends may meet the family in the church gathering space one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the St. Mary’s Church Christian service/food pantry or the St. Mary’s School tuition scholarship fund are appreciated.