Shirley Jean Brancheau, 87 years, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Serenity Manor of Canton in Canton, Michigan.
Born June 15, 1935 in Monroe, Shirley was the daughter of the late Donald S. and Bertha (Tack) Woodward. She was a 1953 graduate of Monroe High School where she was captain of the cheerleading team.
On January 10, 1956 Shirley married her husband, John "Ed" Brancheau at St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe. Sadly, he preceded her in death on January 1, 1999 after nearly 43 years of marriage.
Shirley worked as a bookkeeper for Culligan Water Conditioning for 30 years. She retired in 1998.
Shirley was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe, the Ladies Auxiliary, its Christian Women, and assisted with funeral luncheons. She also volunteered at Mercy Memorial Hospital, as a member of the guild, and at Fountain View of Monroe. She enjoyed traveling, reading, bowling and watching the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Most of all Shirley loved time spent with family.
Shirley is survived by four loving children; John (Barb) Brancheau of Strongsville, OH, Renee (Keith) Bergmooser of Canton, MI, Denise (Dorsey) Brown of Temperance, MI, and Chris Brancheau of Monroe, seven cherished grandchildren; Kelly (Frank) McClardy, Steve (Lisa) Brancheau, Jeremy (Julie) Brown, Brandon (Rachelle) Brown, Daniel Brown, Katie (Jason) Peace, and Tara (Andy) Cline, nine cherished great grandchildren, and a brother; James Woodward of Ann Arbor, MI.
In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a sister Betty Laughren and a brother Donald "Bob" Woodward.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 2 – 8 pm in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. On Saturday, September 3, 2022 she will lie in state at St. Mary Catholic Church, 127 N. Monroe St., Monroe, MI, 48162 from 10:30 am followed by Mass of the Resurrection celebrating her life at 11:30 am. In keeping with Shirley's wishes cremation will follow.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Monroe County Humane Society or St. Mary Catholic Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .