Shirley Ann Popowitz
7/3/1931-8/27/2020

Shirley Ann Popowitz, 89, left this life on August 27, 2020 to be reunited with the love of her
life. Married for 62 years, she had not seen Lawrence since July 23, 2016 and not 'known' him
since sometime in 2015. For the last ten years, Shirley was afflicted with Alzheimer's, slowly
losing her memories.
Shirley was born on July 3, 1931. Her birth mother died shortly after and Shirley became the
only daughter of her mother's sister Anna and her husband Sam Esaacson. Sam, a military man,
brought Shirley Ann to the Philippines for the first years of her life, until he retired and they
moved to East Minnehaha in St. Paul. Shirley had an idyllic childhood, adored by her doting
parents. She graduated from Harding High School and went on to work for Northern States
Power Company. Shirley's dad died just as she launched into adult life; her mother 'Nonie' lived
to be 92 with Shirley caring for her every day after Sam passed.
On a blind date in 1953 she met another military man; Lawrence had just completed his stint in
the Army. It was love at first sight, forever love, they were married on June 26, 1954. Lawrence
once shared he thought he 'hit the jackpot' though he teased her incessantly.
Lawrence and Shirley moved to their forever home on West Minnehaha and Shirley became a
proud homemaker, decorating for every holiday. She loved to cook, especially Polish heritage
dinners of golabki, pierogis and paczkis. An excellent hostess, within two minutes of entering
her home you were offered something to eat or drink.
In 1955 they started their family. Shirley loved to claim she had 'four kids in five years' with the
birth of Sandy (Larry Tobias), Steven (Coral), Mark, (Gloria) and Dan. She cherished being a
mother, caring for her children and their home.
In 1977 Shirley became a grandmother and once again, indulged them all in her delight for
feeding them, whether it was 'mac and cheese and hot diggity dogs' or 'Swedish pancakes', her
potato salad, pop, ice cream; Shirley didn't let you leave without making sure you were full and
happy. Her grandchildren, Jessica (Leo Moujouros), David, Amanda (Dan Fisher), Margie, Selina
(Alan Laursen), Adam (Angel), Josh (Abby Tobias), Abe (Nicole), Lucas (Brandi), Mariah (John
Kroschel), Tiffany and Bre (John Clifford) hold memories of their grandmother they treasure,
especially as she began to lose memories of them.
Shirley had little memory of her great-grandchildren though she smiled and loved on them any
time she saw them. Sage, Cameron, Avery, Elsie, Anthony, Georgia, Lucy, Arianna, Alexis,
Tommy, Rowan, Lennon, Sam, Mickey, Jonah, Charlotte, Lainey, Charlie, Willow and Brooks will
know Grandma Shirley through the memories her children and grandchildren will share with
them.

Shirley was a sweet and kind-hearted woman, wife, mother, grandmother and great-
grandmother. She had a full life, full of love, of family, home, husband. Despite her many
losses, all along she kept a positive and feisty attitude. Even after being diagnosed with
Alzheimer's, visiting Shirley meant eating cookies, singing sweet songs and laughing together.
Shirley was surrounded by her loving family the last day of her life. Her family is her legacy, we
find comfort in knowing she is back together with 'Dad' and all her cherished memories of us.
Services for Shirley will be held on Thursday, September 3 rd at Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home
in White Bear Lake. Visitation 10:00am to 12:30. Service begins at 12:30, interment at National
Cemetery following the service. Please join her family as they honor her life, comfort each
other and lay her to a well-deserved rest.

With COVID - 19 Guidelines We request masks be worn and respect Social Distancing and Occupancy limitations will be followed. Thank You