Shirley S. Gradisnik

GRADISNIK, SHIRLEY S.

Nee Swartz Peacefully entered Eternal Life on August 9, 2009 at age 84. Shirley rejoins the love of her life, her beloved husband of 54 years, the late Anthony J Gradisnik. A very devoted mother, Shirley was proud of her children Gary Gradisnik CAPT USN ret and Sr Toni Anne Gradisnik SSSF. Cherished sister of the late Robert Helen Swartz and Richard Pat Fox. Loving grandmother of Scott Yvonne Gradisnik, Kate Bill Breslo, Scott Shirey, Leslie Bob Collins and Jody Angela Shirey. Dear aunt of Sr Marie Gnader SSSF, Jerry Jan Gradisnik, Merianne Bob Zimmermann, Jerry Rebecca Swartz, Jill Dan Kuiper and Christopher Fox. Proud great-grandmother of Justin, Joy, Amanda, Bryan, Joshua, Ariella, Allison, Connor and Ryan. Loving great-aunt of Robyn Povletich, Tony Povletich, Joel Gradisnik and Jamie Mark Lauenstein. Dear mother-in-law of Camille. Shirley was a caring friend and “adopted” mother to many School Sisters of St. Francis and was dear “Grandma G” to Nick Puetzer and Katie Brian Nash.

Shirley was a tremendously smart and capable woman. She took pride in being Salutatorian of the 1943 Bay View High graduating class. An exceptional organizer and motivator, she worked as administrative assistant for several businesses and organizations. She owned and ran her own jewelry business. She was a straight-A student at Mount Mary College. But Shirley used her talents best in supporting and encouraging her family and friends, where she truly enabled many, many successes.

Shirley was a wonderful friend, always giving of herself, ready to listen, making the effort to help others feel that they were special and that they belonged. Her memory for names and birthdates was remarkable. Known as the “Miracle Woman” at San Camillo where she lived, she inspired many with her strength and faith as she fought and survived cancer for 7 years. The San Camillo residents and staff were extended family to Shirley and she continually gave thanks for her active life there.

Shirley’s children are very grateful to St. Camillus Pastoral Care and to the staff of Camillus Cares, to Dr Brenda Pierce and her staff and to Dr William Deshur and his staff for their excellent support and kindness during her illness. Gary and Toni are also forever grateful to Dr Andrew Catanzaro and to his nurse Kathy for the decades of wonderful care and friendship they gave to both their mother and father.

Please join in celebrating the life of Shirley, a profoundly loving woman. Visitation THURSDAY August 13 at SAN CAMILLO, 10200 W Bluemound Rd, from 4 to 8 PM with prayer service at 7 PM. Visitation also FRIDAY August 14 at St Therese Parish, 9525 W Bluemound Rd, from 9 AM until Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 AM. Luncheon after Mass. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the School Sisters of St. Francis – Development Office, 1501 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee 53215.

Con todo nuestro amor…SIEMPRE.