Shirley Ann Hayes, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, in-
law, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on May 20, 1935, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Marlene Emma Cordie and George P.
Halupczok, Shirley’s childhood was marked by many challenges. She, and her sister Jacquie,
lived with their parents, spent time with their grandparents, entered foster care, and eventually
went into the Children’s Orphanage in St. Cloud. At age 13, her life changed when she was
welcomed into the home of Lauretta and Clete Sitzman in Highland Park, Minnesota, where she
gained a sister, Barbara.
She lost touch with her sister Jacquie, who was adopted into a different family. In a beautiful full
circle later in life, Shirley was reunited with her mother Marlene, her sister Jacquie, and was
also able to meet her other siblings, Sharon and Leroy.
Though her early years were rocky, Shirley was a survivor with an unshakable spirit. She was
known for her energy, humor, and zest for life. She was radiant, fun-loving, and often silly,
believing wholeheartedly that “humor is the best medicine.” She loved music and filled her home
with dancing and singing—whether she was cleaning, cooking, or joyfully decorating for every
holiday of the year. Her enthusiasm made ordinary days feel like celebrations.
A true romantic at heart, Shirley especially loved the timeless love songs of Frank Sinatra, Nat
King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Andy Williams. She knew every
word by heart and sang them with passion, often belting them out at the top of her lungs as she
danced through the house. Christmastime was especially magical—her voice would ring out
with Andy Williams’ Raindrops on Roses, Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, or Frank Sinatra’s
Little Drummer Boy. She also treasured an album of Swedish children’s Christmas songs she
brought home from Sweden, singing “Nu Er Det Jul Igen…” in Swedish, joyfully declaring, “Now
it is Christmas again, and Christmas lasts until Easter.” Music was woven into the fabric of her
life, and through it she gave her family a soundtrack of love, laughter, and joy.
When asked which songs she would want played at her own funeral, she thought long and hard.
Though she loved Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” her ultimate choice was Nat King Cole’s
“Unforgettable”—so fittingly Shirley, reflecting her heart, her love for life, and the way she
touched everyone around her.
She was also musically gifted and played the piano with grace. One family memory was hearing
her play Clair de Lune so beautifully that the house seemed to hold its breath.
In addition to her music, Shirley had a gift for languages. She spoke English, French, and Latin,
and when her family moved to Germany, she learned German. Later, when they lived in
Sweden, she learned Swedish, embracing each new place with curiosity and openness.
A talented homemaker, avid gardener, and gourmet cook, Shirley’s creativity shone in
everything she touched. Her lasagna—whether traditional, pepperoni, or full of
vegetables—became a family favorite and an inspiration to those she loved. Alongside her
lasagna, her tuna casserole was legendary—out of this world. She loved entertaining and often
treated guests to her unforgettable Cherries Jubilee, lighting the cherries aflame and serving
them over ice cream. The dazzling presentation was as memorable as the flavor, a reflection of
her joy in bringing people together.

Shirley was also a hard worker, approaching everything she did with dedication and diligence.
Whether tending her garden, preparing meals, or managing her household, she put her heart
into every task and inspired those around her with her commitment and perseverance.
Shirley was always very proud of her children.
Even in the face of illness, Shirley’s light never dimmed. When she was diagnosed with
leukemia, she found a way to make light of it, often joking, “Luke and me, we get along just
fine.” Her quick wit and focus on the positive uplifted those around her.
Above all, Shirley’s faith was at the heart of her life. She prayed daily for family, friends, and
even strangers, spending countless hours in devotion. Her deep trust in God carried her and
those who knew her through many seasons.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Marlene Bauer and George Halupczok, Clete and
Lauretta Sitzman; her sisters, Jacquie Carroll and Sharon Buhl; her first husband, Thomas E.
Leonard; her second husband, John C. Hayes; and numerous aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her brother, Leroy (Mary) Bauer; her sister, Barbara (Dale) Bowman; her
children Susan (Jeff) Weber, Jeanne (Robert) Erfft, Nancy (Sean Kutzko) Livingston, Mary
Alsides, and David (April) Leonard; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family who will miss her dearly.
Shirley’s life was a testament to resilience, joy, and unwavering love. She will be remembered
for her laughter, her faith, her music, her hard work, her love and devotion in raising her five
children, and the way she made every moment brighter.