Shirley Niesluchowski, 94, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024 in Gilbert, Arizona surrounded by her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many over her 94 years. Shirley was born in Royal Oak, Michigan in the same house as all of her 5 other siblings. Shirley married David Delsman in 1950 and had one child Deborah until his untimely passing in 1956. Shirley then fell in love with and married Anthony Niesluchowski Jr. in 1961. They had 5 more children and raised them in Huntington Woods, MI, moving into the house Shirley’s father built for her mother after she passed. They raised their family and were parishioners of the same church she belonged to throughout childhood; St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Royal Oak, Michigan. They enjoyed many happy years of marriage until his passing in 1987. Shirley is survived by her children; Deborah Dustman, Mark, Matt (Marsha), Wallace (Janice), Amy, and Bradley. Her legacy of kindness and strength will continue through her 11 grandchildren; Kirsten (Brandon), Michael, Nicholas, Michael, David, Anthony, Monet, Nicklis, Bradley, Jasmine, Jonathon, her 4 great grandchildren; Michael (Tristan), Allora, Madalyn, Thomas, and her great-great granddaughter Jude.
Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband David Delsman, second husband Anthony Niesluchowski Jr., parents; Stanley and Viola Fons, brothers; Gerald (Ethel) Fons and Wallace (Margaret) Fons and her sisters; Rita (Charles) Faber, Marilyn (Harold) Hacht, and Arlene (David) Turner.
She moved to Arizona with her 2 youngest children Amy and Brad in 1987, living in Gilbert much of that time and belonging to St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Her daughter Deborah and grandchild also moved to Arizona soon after. Shirley loved having family both in Arizona and in Michigan and happily returned to Michigan at least once a year for many years to see her family and friends.
To commemorate her beautiful life and the memories we cherish, a funeral mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church 440 E. Elliot Rd, Gilbert, Arizona on July 1, 2024 at 10am with a reception immediately following. A funeral mass will also take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 730 S Lafayette Ave #2596, Royal Oak, MI on July 19, 2024 at 10am with a reception immediately following. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan later that afternoon in a private service graveside.
Memorial Tributes to Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter https://www.alz.org/dsw
You were always a beautiful Aunt to me and I will always cherish the times we were together with our loving family’s. You will be resting in the arms of your Father now. That’s all that matters now. R.I.P.
Aunt Shirley will be sorely missed, but so grateful she is now reunited with family. I can still hear her chuckle and laughter and it makes me smile.
Dear Deborah and her entire family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, Shirley. What a wonderful life she lived. The blessing of children in her life was amazing. it takes great love and patience to raise a family !
May her soul and the soul of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon Shirley and all the faithful. May God bless you all.
Mary
Dear Family,
So sorry to hear of Aunt Shirley’s passing. Be comforted that she is now resting in God’s hands and her faith certainly assures that. You will grieve and you will celebrate a life well lived!
Sincerely,
John & Pam
What a beautiful picture of Aunt Shirley. Shows her vibrant and congenial personality. What great memories I have of her as a child in Michigan and here in Arizona. I will miss her and be comforted knowing she is now in heaven having her a huge reunion with all of her loved ones. She is in God’s glory and light and will continue to be your guardian angel. Look for signs. I always receive mine.
My deepest condolences ? to your family at this time. I will treasure all beautiful memories with your mom. Prayers of love and strength to you my Amy! Sincerely yours grace
I have many fond memories of Aunt Shirley, my cousins and Uncle Tony. Aunt Shirley was very kind and engaging with our family. So glad she was able to have her family in her last days.
Dear Cousins,
I was so honored to celebrate your mom on her 90th birthday with all of you. Her laugh brought back memories of times spent in Michigan at family gatherings on Cooper Street. Always looked forward to her Christmas cards (in her beautiful penmanship)! I’m sure there was quite a welcoming party up in heaven from everyone who has been waiting for her! Hugs to each of you.
When we first came to Gilbert, Arizona, Grandma Shirley immediately welcomed us with all of her warmth. She was an outstandingly caring and loving person who we will always keep in our hearts. We remember the affection and kindness she had towards the kids, the festivities we celebrated together, and the time we spent.
With deepest condolences and love,
Jens, Katja, Jonathan, and Judith
Ah yes, the memories are many, the tears and the joys of a well-lived life. All are better for having a memory in your heart of a kind and loving matriarch of the extended family. Best wishes to all.