Shirley Jean Petitpren

Shirley Jean (Shanahan) Petitpren, 98, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at home in Washington, GA.

Shirley was born September 28, 1927 in Mount Clemens, Michigan and remained a longtime resident of Mount Clemens.

She graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1945. Shirley married her sweetheart Richard J. Petitpren after he served 4 years in the Navy. They were married at St. Peter Catholic Church on January 10, 1948, and Shirley remained a devoted life-long member of St. Peters, a testament to her enduring faith.

Shirley led as the President of the Saint Peter Altar Society, managed finances as Treasurer of St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and Daughters of Isabella Circle 683, and enjoyed her work with McCrest and Goodfellows. Her presence was also a comforting constant at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital, where she volunteered her time and care. Her profound commitment culminated in the well-deserved St. Joseph's Medallion Award in 1994, a testament to her spirit and service.

Shirley retired from St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital Credit Union in 1992 as a loan officer. Her contributions to her community were far-reaching and deeply felt. Shirley was a hard worker her entire life. She cut and maintained her own lawn until the age of 83. Shirley found joy in the simple pleasures of gardening and tending to her flowers and could walk among her flowers and name them all. When not among her blossoms, she loved spending time with her family and could often be found engaged in lively card games with cherished lifelong friends, laughter filling the air. As winter's chill descended, Shirley embraced the warmth of Marathon Florida's sun, a welcome respite where she could bask in its golden rays.

Shirley lived life rich with love, warmth and cherished memories. Her strength in life and unconditional dedication and love to her family, her grandchildren and precious great grandchildren, will be missed daily.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents James and Margaret Shanahan. Her husband, Richard J. Petitpren, her sister Frances Bunton, and her brothers James and Robert, daughter, Diane Walsh, sons, David and Richard G. Petitpren, and a grandson, Richard F. Petitpren.

Survivors include her devoted daughter, Deborah Meunier (Edward Thrash) of Washington, GA, beloved son, Joseph Petitpren (Susan Underwood) of Mount Clemens, MI. Grandchildren, Brian (Coriander) Pulliam and Keith (Patricia) Pulliam, and Cassie (Allen) Edwards, along with 11 great grandchildren and her adored nieces Kathy Strickland, Jan (Jim) Valentine and Barbara Bunton.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market Street, Mount Clemens, MI. Burial will follow in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043.

Will & Schwarzkoff Funeral Home in Mount Clemens, MI is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington, GA is in charge of local arrangements.