Shirley Mae Brecht's Obituary
Shirley Mae Brecht was born on October 27, 1929 in Bridgeport, Michigan, to her nurturing parents Roy and Henrietta Stevens. A woman like no other, she was tenacious, courageous, constantly curious, and incredibly loving. Her pioneering spirit and unwavering love for family built a lifetime of memories with her beloved husband Andrew, whom she married on November 9, 1946, siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
Shirley's interests were sprawling, and ever growing. During her golden years, she spent much of her time at her lakeside cottage on Martini Lakes, surrounded by family, friends, and delicious food. Many will recall the endless days and balmy evenings she spent on her pontoon boat fishing and exploring-captivated with awe by the beauty of nature. She was a talented gardener, and planted a vast array of vegetables that found their way stacked to the ceiling of her canning room every year. Shirley was an avid reader, amassing a library worth of books that would wear thin from being read over and over again. She was a registered nurse, a lover of animals and nature, a gourmet chef and baker of pies, an intellectual, and an activist.
Most important to Shirley, however, was without question, her family. She gave herself fully and whole-heartedly to those she loved most, and she is a testament to the ideal that kindness, compassion, generosity, and love is what truly makes the world go around. In her brave passing, Shirley was at peace and surrounded with love. She will be dearly missed and long remembered.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew Brecht, her adored son Raymond Brecht, her brother John Stevens, granddaughter Lisa (Brecht) McQueen, and great-grandson Gage Michael Thering. She will be fondly remembered by siblings Peggy (Rex) Conner, Barbara Sinclair, Fred (Gail) Stevens, children Kathryn (Jim) Coady, Michael (Paula Howard) Brecht, David Brecht, and Kristine (Rick) Outman, grandchildren Eric Brecht, Gary Brecht, John (Melissa) Brecht, Jessica (Matthew) Brecht-McLean, Lindsay (Ryan) Wall, Brett Coady, Kimberly (Daniel) Hawkins, Katelyn (James) Dunn, Patrick Outman, Keelie Outman, Benjamin Brecht, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who were the joy of her life.
We encourage you all to garden, bake, read, and love deeply to honor her memory.
A private family celebration of her life will take place in October.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?