Shirley Mae Forton

December 12, 1934 - February 24, 2022

Shirley Mae Forton, 87, passed away peacefully, on Thursday February 24, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley, was the beloved mother of Keith (Laurel), Angela (Mark Glynn) and Jon (Lisa) and devoted grandmother of Nicholas, Cameron, Lee, Kate and Grace Forton. She was preceded in death by her mother Angeline (Bakes) and father John Parrilli, brothers John Parrilli, Lee Parrilli, sister Joyce Belasick, brother in laws Rudy Belasick, Patrick Diggins, and sister in law Michaelene Parrilli. Surviving is her dear sister Kay Parrilli Diggins, and sister in law Patricia Parrilli. She was the very loving aunt of many nieces and nephews and a special friend to many. Shirley was a graduate of Mundelein College (Rogers Park, Illinois), married in 1957 and moved to Traverse City to start a family and her teaching career. She first started teaching first grade at Immaculate Conception and then moved to the new Traverse City Junior High in the fall 1970. She received a masters degree from Michigan State University (1968) and retired from education in 1997. Shirley was a great example to fellow teachers and in the words of one of her former students “the best teacher ever!” Shirley’s life was guided by three core values; that of faith, family and friends. Faith – she loved her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Francis parish. Her faith was her unmovable rock that helped her navigate the trials of raising a family and life in general. Family – growing up in Chicago, family bonds were strong and held in the highest regards. She was proud of her Italian heritage and dearly loved her family both near and extended. Friends – friendships meant everything to her, especially her colleagues from Junior High. She cherished these friendships as they strengthened and supported her throughout her life. Funeral services will be held at St. Francis Church, Traverse City, Michigan, Saturday March 5th, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. in the family center. Interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Cook County (Chicago), Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in honor of her memory may be made to Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, BVM Center, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003-7991 To quote from the book of Timothy, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.” Please do not mourn; Shirley is very happy in heaven!