Shirley Petersen's Obituary
On Saturday, October 10, 2020, Shirley Petersen, beloved sister of six surviving siblings, went to heaven at age 67.
Shirley Petersen was born on February 14, 1953, in Grundy Center, IA to Rev. Henry and Irene Petersen. She was diagnosed with an intellectual disability at age 4. From ages 7 to 27, Shirley spent most of her time in special-needs boarding schools in Michigan, Washington, and Iowa.
When Shirley was 27, her parents retired to Michigan, and Shirley moved into a group home near them. Around that time, she started to work at Kandu Industries in western MI. Some of the jobs she did there included assembling boxes. After her parents passed away in the 1990s, Shirley moved in with her brother Don Petersen in Grand Haven, where she lived for 20 years. After Don was no longer able to take care of Shirley, she moved into a group home in Coopersville, MI, where she spent her last fourteen months under the loving care of Rochelle Rawlings.
Shirley was very affectionate and loved being with people. One of the things she enjoyed most was listening to music (the Beatles and Boston were two of her favorite bands) and dancing to it. She was also famous for her animal noises, especially pig! She loved chicken, Mountain Dew, and coffee. Shirley especially loved the Lord Jesus Christ and invited other people she met to join her in heaven. She often talked of going there to be with Jesus, Mom, and Dad.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Henry, her mother, Irene, and her brother, Dale. She is survived by her brothers Don, Karl, Ken, and Keith, as well as her sisters Sharon and Nancy. She is also survived by 19 nieces and nephews as well as many cousins. Because of COVID-19, Shirley’s loved ones and friends are planning to have a virtual memorial service. Donations may be given to Camp Sunshine or you can send donations to them at 291 W. Lakewood Blvd. Suite G, Holland, MI 49424. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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