Shirley J. Merritt

Merritt, Shirley Joyce (Nee Oleniczak). December 19, 1928 - July 29, 2016. "In the Sweet By and By, we shall meet on that beautiful shore ", sung softly by Shirley during her last week of Life on Earth. Shirley Joyce Merritt (nee Oleniczak) found peace in Eternal Life on July 29, 2016 at the age of 87. "In the Sweet By and By, our spirit shall sorrow no more." Shirley was raised in Milwaukee by her dear mother Mary, father Stanley, brother Ed and sisters Dorothy and Eleanor. In 1947, she graduated from Pulaski High School with the Salutatorian Honor. Shirley's career as an accomplished theater actress started at an early age. Her gift of stage acting continued for many wondrous years and was a highlight in her life. Also at a young age, Shirley met dashing artist Ben Merritt, Jr. Many years of hot fudge sundaes and romance led to a glorious wedding on August 1, 1953 at St. Gerard's Catholic Church, Milwaukee. Their loving marriage of 63 years included four children Dave (Cheryl), Susan Merritt, Jane Merritt (Trix), and Laura Acuff (John) and five grandchildren: Eliza Merritt, Sienna and Sage Kossman and Sarah and Kyle Acuff. As a young devoted mother, Shirley taught Catholic religion classes, was a Greenfield Girl Scout leader, and an active parent in numerous school activities. A nature enthusiast with a fondness for owls, Shirley and her family had exciting adventures hiking and camping. The glorious colors of her beautiful flower gardens provided endless hours of serenity. Deeply faithful, Shirley had a compassionate heart and was a calm listener. As a wordsmith and passionate reader, she especially held a fascination for poetry and the magnificient writings of William Shakespeare. Shirley loved to laugh and truly enjoyed wit and quotes of wisdom. Three favorites: "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other" Audrey Hepburn. "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud" Maya Angelou. And, "love is OWL you need!" Family fun times whereupon Shirley would share her creative fortes included card games, word puzzles, piano playing and listening to music of most decades. "A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance" was one of her guiding proverbs. Shirley Merritt was a bright light to her beloved late husband Ben (1927 2014), cherished children, adored grandchildren and many dear relatives, friends and caregivers. She is deeply missed. Let's honor her sunny spirit and, "Live in harmony with one another." Romans 12:16 On Monday, August 29, 2016, relatives and friends are invited to gather beginning at 10:00 am at ST CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOlIC PARISH, 3100 W. Parnell Avenue, Milwaukee. Eulogies to begin at 11:45 am followed by a Memorial Mass at noon. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Greenfield Public Library, 5310 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI 53220 , attn: Children's Department, Shirley Merritt Memorial Fund, would be appreciated.