Shirley Jean DiMambro's Obituary
Shirley DiMambro was born on October 8, 1928, in Rockland, Michigan, and was raised in Detroit, where she later met the love of her life, Mario DiMambro. She passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at the age of 97, after a long and meaningful life marked by strength, devotion to family, and quiet grace.
Shirley married Mario DiMambro on April 29, 1950. Together, they began raising their family in Detroit before moving to Dearborn Heights, Michigan, where they spent many years building a life rooted in love, perseverance, and strong values. In their later years, Shirley and Mario retired to Leroy, Michigan, where they enjoyed a quieter life together until Mario’s passing in 2008.
She was the devoted mother of four children - Daniel, Karen, Richard, and Mitchell - who all preceded her in death. Despite enduring profound loss throughout her lifetime, Shirley remained resilient, compassionate, and deeply connected to her family.
Shirley is survived by her loving grandsons, Mario DiMambro, Dean DiMambro, Blake Newell, Daniel DiMambro and his wife, April. She is also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren, Mario Earl-Long DiMambro, Jacob Dean DiMambro, and Araya Newell, who brought her immense joy and pride.
A lifelong animal lover, Shirley especially enjoyed her dogs and cats and took great pride in helping her husband with his German Shorthaired Pointers. Whether caring for them at home or supporting Mario’s passion, Shirley was always faithfully by his side. Shirley was the heart of her family and a steady presence across generations. She lived through nearly a century of change and met it with dignity, strength, and wisdom. Her legacy of love, resilience, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to those who cared for Shirley in her later years, as well as to everyone who has offered kindness, support, and prayers during this time.
Funeral services will be at 12 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Shirley’s family will greet friends beginning at 11 a.m., on Friday. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Maple Hill Cemetery in LeRoy in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Shirley’s memory through acts of kindness and love.
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?

