TRAVERSE CITY - Shirley Evelyn Goodrich, 85, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2015 at Munson Hospice House after her battle with multiple myeloma. She was born October 29, 1930, in Detroit, MI, to George A. and Maude (Normand) Perreault.

Shirley's greatest joys were her faith, her family and her friends. As a woman of deep faith, she shared her spirituality by her tireless Christian example. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her almost ever-present smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. She was always in awe of her blessings and commented daily how fortunate and thankful she was. She showed us all how to live and die a beautiful faith-filled Catholic life. She was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Christ's love, and the beauty and peace that awaited her at her passing.

With a real zest for life, Shirley loved to try new things, a hot air balloon ride (a gift from her grandchildren), helicopter rides, a biplane ride over Lake Leelanau and Grand Traverse Bay, tubing on Lake Leelanau, and jumping on the trampoline with her grandchildren! She will always be remembered as a FUN Granny! She loved going to the theater, Tiger baseball games and trips to the Keweenaw with family. Our family Christmas parties always began with her reading the real Christmas story to all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren seated at her feet; a memory that will last forever in all our hearts.

In 1965, she pursued her lifelong dream of returning to school to become a nurse. She began her nursing career in Mt. Pleasant, and then, after moving to Traverse City, worked at Munson Medical Center until her retirement.

Shirley was a longtime active member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She was blessed to go on two pilgrimages, one to the Holy Land and another to Rome, Austria, and Germany, both led by her special friend, Fr. Jim Gardiner.

In 1984, Shirley received the Scapular and took her First Promise as a 3rd Order Carmelite. She took her Final Promise in 1988 and Vows in 1991. She was President of the 3rd Order of Carmelites for six years.

She also enjoyed bowling, skiing, swimming, boating, and golfing. She was a former President of the Nine Holers at the T.C. Golf and Country Club.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Joyce) Goodrich, of Gaylord, MI, Susan G. Miles, Laurie (Bob) O'Brien, Craig (Lisa) Goodrich, and Sheryl (Joe) Elliott, and their father, Bob Goodrich, all of Traverse City; 22 loving grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia (Jim) Lizenby of Traverse City; her cousin, Nancy Perreault of Traverse City; her sister- and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Joe Evancho; special friend, Bill Miles; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, and granddaughter, Jennifer Jamison Miles in 2013, preceded her in death.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI. Burial will be at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery in Traverse City. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. prior to mass at church.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider a memorial donation to the Munson Hospice House, the Carmelite Monastery or the St. Francis Pantry.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Shirley's family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.