Shirley N. Wall

Shirley lived her life as a woman ahead of her time. She died on July 4, 2025 at the age of 96. She filled her long life with social leadership, political activism, and an adventurous family life. Born in Hartford CT on November 27, 1928, her family of three moved to Syracuse, NY and later to Pontiac, MI. As a child she studied, loved, and excelled at ballet dancing. WW II brought an end to those lessons, but not to her passion. After graduating with a teaching degree from Western Michigan University, Shirley married Thomas J. Wall in 1951. Although Tom was not the dancing partner Shirley dreamed of, their marriage lasted 72 years, until his death in 2024. Never one to do the minimum, Shirley wanted six children but ended up with four, born within 5 years: David, Dee, Debra and Diane. She kept family life exciting and ever- surprising: no Kraft dinners for her kids, Shirley concocted exotic dishes from around the world and dove deep into organic cookery. She started the family skiing one Christmas, thereby sparking generations of enthusiastic skiers. She skied until the age of 90. She planned annual camping trips that had everyone searching for wild blueberries or semi-precious stones. She allowed her kids to scrape their knees, fight their own battles and make their own mistakes. She taught them to cook, garden, sew, and write letters to their congressmen. Shirley worked tirelessly as a member of the League of Women Voters for 50 years. She marched and campaigned for women’s reproductive and legal rights. She was a member of the board for SEMCOG and helped push through the MI Clean Air Act. Shirley began a new career in her forties, returning to school and earning a paralegal degree. She was a paralegal until she and Tom retired to Suttons Bay, MI in 1989. Retirement allowed Shirley and Tom to travel the world – Europe, Vietnam, Egypt and Australia. She never stopped championing her causes: she volunteered for the Suttons Bay Planning Commission for ten years and continued her work with the LWV. Tom and Shirley moved to Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons in 2018, where they thrived on the artistic and cultural programs. They became part of the Cordia Family, and Shirley spent her final time surrounded by Cordia’s warmth and care. Shirley will be remembered and celebrated on July 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Suttons Bay Congregational Church. She asked that instead of flowers, she would be delighted with donations to the S.B. Congregational Church or the Sierra Club. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Shirley’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Shirley N. Wall

November 27, 1928 - July 4, 2025