Shirley Leona Wilson

In her 91 years, Shirley Leona Wilson never stopped thinking about and caring for her family. Her memory was something to envy, recounting stories that made us laugh or remembering dates and facts we had long forgotten.

Sadly, she left us unexpectedly on January 28, 2022.

Shirley lived most of her life in Duluth with Herbert, raising four children. She encouraged each child to grow and explore their passions. Summers would bring vacations spent with aunts, uncles and cousins, allowing the family to grow closer.

In 1985, she and Herbert retired to Alabama, taking her away from family, which now included grandchildren. She always welcomed visitors and, over the years, she embraced family with open arms. She started gardening and spent many hours tending her flower gardens in the warm sunshine. As Herbert’s health started to decline, she was, once again, the loving caretaker who took care of him until his passing in 2015.

Shirley returned to Duluth to be closer to her family. She lived at Duluth Heights Lodge (formerly Primrose). The staff soon learned of her love of a sweet roll with her morning coffee and made sure she always had one to enjoy.

She will be missed by her children Sybil Zimmerman (Paul), Carol Eldien (Scott), James Wilson (Kathy), Diane Olstad (Jeff), eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

The family is living in peace knowing that she has been reunited with Herb in heaven.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 5 at Sunrise Funeral Home, beginning at 11:00 AM, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM.

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