KAANTA - Shirley Ann Kaanta, age 80, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2018 following a courageous battle with dementia. An Irish and Polish descendant, she was born the youngest of ten children on March 1, 1938 in Grand Rapids to the late Irene Corrigan and John Czerwinski. Shirley is survived by her brother, Bill. A true Catholic, she attended St Alphonsus and graduated from Catholic Central. One of her childhood accomplishments was that she loved to swim and was a “champion” swimmer at Highland Park, self-proclaimed, of course. In August of 58, she met the love of her life, husband Richard of 60 years at Buth Dairy on Leonard which soon led to a reception on May 10 at St Hedwig’s Hall. At her beautiful home on Post Drive, she raised three wonderful children, Tom (Deb), Tammy (Don), and Todd (Theresa). She held a special place for her grandchildren, Kendra, Marisa, Jarrod, Nate, and Lexi; great grandchildren, Eleanor and Elijah. Shirley’s hobbies included knitting and ice skating, but what she cherished the most was family, friendship, and participating in the wonderful community of Belmont. One of the most magical moments with Shirley was at Christmas. Shirley would adorn her home with decorations and the VHS would be playing “Christmas Vacation”. Her home filled with family and with volumes of laughter. Her witty charm, her ball of energy, and her smile which displayed her warm friendly heart will be sorely missed. Special thanks go to her caregivers, all those who helped, Kindred Hospice, Nurse Kim, her forever husband Richard. Shirley is gone but will never be forgotten. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, October 15, 2018 at The Family Life Center in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 6390 Belmont Ave. NE, Belmont. Shirley’s family will greet relatives and friends 5:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont and one hour prior to mass at the church. Prayers of the rosary will be recited 7:30 PM Sunday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kindred Hospice Services. To share a memory, photo, and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley Ann Kaanta please visit our Sympathy Store.
OCT 14. 11:00 AM (EDT)
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6390 Belmont Ave.
Belmont, MI, 49306
OCT 14. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI, 49306
[email protected]
https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com
OCT 14. 7:30 PM (EDT)
Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Belmont
1601 Post Dr. NE
Belmont, MI, 49306
[email protected]
https://www.stegengafuneralchapel.com
OCT 15. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6390 Belmont Ave.
Belmont, MI, 49306
Condolences to Rich and family… Shirley was one of a kind and loved by all who knew her. We had a lot of fun with them on Post Drive and in Panama City Beach, thanks for the wonderful memories Shirey, Love, Jerry and Lois
- Lois and Jerry Collis
Rich, Tammy, Tom & Todd, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great loss. Shirley always welcomed me into your home, as a child, with open arms and her quick wit. May you all be blessed with peace & comfort during this time of grief.
- Tammie Post Bartlett
So very Sorry to learn of Shirley's passing, on October 10th. They were a couple meant for each other,..and her witty humor was always welcoming! To her Husband, Rich, you were always putting her first when she needed attention, in her later years. Rich, you stay strong and Prayerful, knowing that your wife is truly, in the arms of Jesus! Al McAvoy - Parishioner
- Allen J. McAvoy
The Kaanta's home was a welcoming place to spend many a weekend as a child. Rich and Shirley made you feel like part of the family. Shirley had a way of keeping things interesting. I remember one weekend I wiped out on my bike probably doing something stupid with Tom. I had a skinned up knee but she wrapped me up in gauze and bandages, head and arms with ketchup or something under it and took me home. Never a dull moment.
- Wayne Doerr
The VanKeuren Family…. purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Shirley Ann Kaanta.
- The VanKeuren Family....
One of the funniest ladies I have ever met. Loved her. Heartfelt condolences to Rich and their children.
- Marilyn Clare Stephens
Strength & Solace Spray was purchased for the family of Shirley Ann Kaanta.
- Strength & Solace Spray
Shirley had the biggest personality of anyone I have ever known. If she was around life was an instant party.
- Sherry Doerr Dewitt
Shirley and Rich were wonderful lifelong friends to my parents. We will miss her quick wit and concern for others. Rich was a great caregiver and spent the last 10 years doing everything for Shirley, his soulmate. A more devoted advocate would not be found. May God bless their family. The Doerr Family
- Lynn Holck
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