Shirley M. Bianchi

HURLEY, Wis. - Shirley M. Bianchi, 87, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, at the Villa Maria Nursing Home in Hurley surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born the daughter of Aldise and Celia (Stella) Bruneau on Feb. 14, 1934, in Iron Belt. She was a 1951 graduate of Lincoln High School in Hurley. She then went to work for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. On Nov. 5, 1955, Shirley was united in marriage with Francis J. Bianchi at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley. They recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. Shirley was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood.

Faith and family were most important to Shirley. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed crossword puzzles and watching the Green Bay Packers. She was a wonderful homemaker, cook and baker. Shirley loved spending time at the family cabin and at Little Girl's Point. Shirley enjoyed many a shopping weekend in Duluth, Green Bay and Minneapolis, all piling in the van with her daughters and granddaughters to find a good bargain and more importantly, making memories with the girls. She treasured the time visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over the years she enjoyed what came to be known as "Saturday Coffee," bringing female members of her family together to enjoy each other's company.

Shirley will be missed by her husband, Francis; two daughters, Bonnie (Larry) Sanders and Sharon Bianchi, both of Ironwood; four grandchildren, Stephanie (Jason) Juelich, Shelley (Ryan) Lutzka, Kari (Stephen) Deadman and Kelly (Adam) Casperson; five great-grandchildren, Nathan Juelich, Archer and Harvey Deadman, Maggie Casperson and Jack Lutzka; and her sister, Faye Lundgren of Hurley. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aldise and Celia Bruneau; her brother, Dante Bruneau; and in-laws, Valentine and Emma Bianchi; along with other relatives.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. with Fr. Ron Timock presiding. The family asks all invited in attendance to please wear a face mask for their safety. Inurnment will take place in the spring.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Shirley's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.