Obituary: Shirley Ann Formusa

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Shirley Ann Formusa departed peacefully on March 21, 2021, at the age of 60 in her childhood home while watching her favorite television show, "Blue Bloods". Born on January 23, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois to Steve and Helen Formusa, Shirley was the youngest of two girls and was always a kid at heart. She loved the innocence and magic of Walt Disney films and had the time of her life when she visited Walt Disney World during the Millennium with her sister, Mary Ann. Even though she was a big fan of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger were, by far, her favorite characters. She also loved animals and enjoyed playing with the pet dogs and birds of her friends. Shirley had many cherished memories and countless photos of a once-in-a-lifetime trip she took to Italy with a group from St. Symphorosa Church, where she visited the Vatican along with several other historic landmarks. Anyone who knew Shirley was aware of her fondness for legendary pop singer Barry Manilow, who she was lucky enough to see live in concert multiple times over the years.

Despite a lifelong battle with mental illness, Shirley earned an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting from Robert Morris College in 1984 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Human Resources from St. Xavier College in 1994. She held several positions during her career including camping secretary for the Girl Scouts of America, a salesperson for Tupperware and a telemarketer for the Vietnam Veterans of America. Shirley was also a Eucharistic Minister for St. Symphorosa Church, a member of the Southwest Archdiocesan Singles Club, the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, the Ladies Auxiliary of Rhine VFW Post No. 2729, and Emotional Anonymous. Shirley was charitable and loved interacting with seniors. She was a dedicated caretaker for her mother when she fell ill, called her elderly aunt regularly and drove all the way to the north side of Chicago weekly to take care of the ailing father of her dear friend, the late Father Mike Bies.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving sister, Mary Ann (Formusa) Lawrence and brother-in-law, Stanley James Lawrence of Picayune, Mississippi, her parents, Steve and Helen (Elich) Formusa of Chicago, Illinois, her paternal grandparents, Stefano and Rosina (Spera) Formusa of Chicago, Illinois, and her maternal grandparents, John and Mary (Sikich) Elich of Chicago, Illinois.

She is survived by:

Her niece and nephew:Mrs. Tonilynn (Robert) Reynolds of Carriere, Mississippi, and Mr. Stephen (Vickie) Lawrence of Picayune, Mississippi.

Her grandnieces and nephews:Andrea (Colton) of Carriere, Mississippi, Anthony Lawrence of Picayune, Mississippi, Juliana Lawrence of New Orleans, Louisiana, and JoAnna Reynolds of Carriere, Mississippi

Her great-nephews:Jace, Colton of Carriere, Mississippi, Da'Quan of New Orleans, Louisiana

Many cousins, her Godmother, Liz Sears, and many dear friends including Marian Berrigan, Nancy Dinger, and Mary Kate, Dan & Sarah DeCraene.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Shirley's doctors, her neighbors, Liz and Raul, her social worker, David, helpers, Reba and Melody, and the countless unnamed others who were kind to Shirley and did whatever they could to help her over the years.

A Memorial Mass is being planned at St. Symphorosa Church for later this summer when her family, who live out of state can attend.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Organization for Rare Disorders or Vietnam Veterans of America in Shirley's memory.

Written by Mary Kate DeCraene