Shirley Jean Schloderback

Shirley Jean Schloderback, age 92, of Lake Carroll, passed away in her home with her family by her side on January 18, 2025. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 25, at St. Wendelin’s Catholic Church in Shannon, IL, at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place for one hour before the service. On Sunday, January 26, a visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapel in Hillside, IL. On Monday, January 27, a Chapel Service will occur at Russo’s Hillside Chapel at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

Shirley was born September 20, 1932, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Harold and Esther (Johansen) Newgard. She attended Carl Schurz High School in Chicago when she met Louis Schloderback, a young man who would become her future husband. She graduated from the class of 1950 and went to work for Bonwit Teller while taking courses at Loyola University. On August 29, 1953, Shirley and Lou were married at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Chicago.

Shirley and Lou wasted no time starting their family, and eight years into their marriage had seven children. As one could imagine, Shirley was quite a busy mother and homemaker, yet she took it all in stride. Years later, they made their family home in Hillside and built a second home at Lake Carroll, quickly integrating themselves into their new community.

Family and faith were at the center of Shirley’s life. She lovingly managed her large family's inner workings while committing herself to her church. She and Lou served as a vice president couple for the Christian Family Movement, and Shirley was on the Parish Council at St. Domitilla’s Catholic Church and later at St. Wendelin’s Catholic Church.

Much of Shirley’s free time was spent contributing to the lives of those she loved. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watercolor painting, hand quilting, and cross-stitching beautiful pieces. She sewed the drapery for their homes and the clothing for their children’s special events. As she and Lou were blessed with grandchildren, Shirley made a tradition of creating custom dresses for her granddaughters’ first communions. Shirley’s family enjoyed her delicious home-cooked meals and baking.

Shirley and Lou prioritized fun and beautiful experiences together. They enjoyed traveling the country and the world with family and as a couple and playing bridge with friends.

Shirley was a devoted wife of 71 years to Lou; the loving mother of the late Louis Jr., the late Robert (Margaret), Mary, the late Thomas (the late Andrea), James (Susan), Julie (Jeffrey), Elizabeth (the late Donald Jr.); an adored grandmother of Brion, Rachael (Gina), Joshua (Ashley), Bob (Katie), Justin (Kate), Matthew (Kate), Meghan (Adam), Sarah (Edward), Morgan (Michael), Catherine (Guillermo), Katie (Benj), Christine (Billy), Brittany and Andrew; beloved great grandmother of Lucy, Eva, Shelbie, Teegan, Jaylynn, Kaydence, Ethan, Amelia, Zoey, Logan, Collins, Keenan, Greysen, Lawsen, Jack, Logan, Kylee, Emilio and Willow; and dear aunt to many nieces and nephews. Shirley’s greatest joy was being surrounded by her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s would be appreciated.