Shirley Jayne Bousum
Shirley Jayne Bousum
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Shirley Bousum Obituary
Shirley lived in the Lansing area for 35 years; moved to northern Michigan and lived in Charlevoix, Traverse City and finally Alanson.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother and second husband Al Breeze.
Shirley attended Michigan State University, then returned to North Central Michigan College in Petoskey as an adult and graduated with honors with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in 1983.
She was a homemaker when her children were small, and she enjoyed volunteering with school functions. She enjoyed cake decorating and decorated many wedding cakes; she also taught cake decorating through 4H. She enjoyed needlework and did needlepoint, knitting and crocheting. She made blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley worked off and on most of her life in the food service industry. She was a waitress at the Grey Gables Inn in Charlevoix for a number of years. She worked at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City beginning when it opened; she held many different positions at the Resort, including breakfast waitress, waitress in the Trillium at the top of the tower, wait staff trainer in the Trillium, manager of the Sand Trap Restaurant, concierge and head cashier for the entire property. Her most recent job was at Burger King in Indian River.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband Jerry and her children Matthew (Glenda) Ash of Martin, Rebecca (Dan) Esch of Howell, Frank (Angie) Sanborn of Charlotte, Amy (Bill Bishop) Sanborn of Farmington Hills, and stepdaughter Cheri Westervelt of Missouri. She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren Sheila (Rob) Sarro, Tracey (Jeff) Stout, Katherine and Jennifer Esch, Ryan Logan, Jessica (Michael) Prieskorn and Heather Hahnenberg.
In addition, Shirley was blessed with great-grandchildren Robbie, Sammy, Mikey, Hannah and Ocean. Also surviving are her sister Maggie (Ray) Rodriguez, brother K. Arden (Carolyne Allston) Smith, sister-in-law Carole Linn, aunt Margaret Emswiler and many nieces and nephews.
Family was very important to Shirley and she loved being with her family. She was a caretaker at heart and everyone was better for knowing her.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m. at the recreation hall at El Rancho RV Resort, 6732 M-68 Hwy. in Alanson; a potluck dinner will follow at the same location. We love and miss you very much.
Arrangements by Charles G. Parks Funeral Home in Petoskey.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob & Liz Webber
August 27, 2008
We met Shirley and Jerry when we joined the Northern Lights Chapter of Family Motor Coach Association. Shirley and Jerry were active members at that time and we enjoyed getting acquainted and seeing them at chapter RV rallies. Unfortunately, their participation was cut short by heatlh problems and they eventually dropped out of the group. We are especially saddened to learn about Shirley's death and will always remember the good times we shared RVing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry and the family.
Amy Jarosch
August 26, 2008
I met Shirley while working at the Grand Traverse Resort. My life has been enriched through sharing not only our jobs but personal triumphs, losses, laughs and golf tips...hers to me, not the other way around.
I was saddened to hear of her passing and wish to share my deepest condolences and sympathy with her family and many friends. Heaven is indeed a richer place now.
God bless and keep you all!
Ferne Preston
August 25, 2008
I was saddened to learn of Shirley's passing. I lived with Shirley's family for about a year and we were like sisters. I went to school with Shirley in Lansing and we were in girl scouts together for many years. She was a great friend. When she moved to the Traverse area, we kept in contact with Christmas cards. When she sold her home, I lost contact, but was trying to find a way to re-establish contact. My sympathy goes out to the family
Trae and Kate Forgette
August 23, 2008
I knew Shirley from the salon at the Resort first. She touched us all as a great person and friend. Then to my surprise when we were looking for a house in Acme our favorite turned out to be owned by Shirley and Jerry. We are still here in that home and are loving it. We were very sad to see that Shirley had passed away. She touched my life in such a positive way even though it was for such a short time. I cannot imagine the loss you all feel after having known her for so long. Keep the good memories alive and you will carry her with you always.
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Chris Boals
August 22, 2008
I am thankfull that Shirley was in my life --- we both worked at the Grand Traverse Resort. Her kindness and laughter are cherished memories.
She would chuckle (quietly of course) when "the guys" would be fighting over her when they were "organizing" the golf 4 somes. Let's just say there was a lot of trading of lessor players for the semi-annual Accounting Golf Outings.
I have many, many memories of Shirley and they all have smiles with them.
Joe Otmanowski
August 22, 2008
To all of you,especially the Sanborn kids, your in our thoughts, from the Otmanowski's in Charlevoix.
Don Sharpe
August 22, 2008
There are people you call your friends, and then there are people that profoundly touch your life. Shirley touched my life, and that thouch is there forever. There are no words that can appropriately express my sympathy to you Jerry in your grief. Shirley will never really be gone, not as long as we remember her. I know I will carry a part of her in my heart the rest of my life.
My deepest sympathies to you, and the family...she was a one of a kind, a gentle loving soul that took care of us all, and I think will continue to care for us from above.
God bless you all.
Rest now beloved lady.
Pam Haley
August 21, 2008
I worked with Shirley for years at the resort. She was such a joy to work with and so much fun to be around. My sympathies to her family.
Jean Pataky
August 21, 2008
I worked with Shirley for several years at Grand Traverse Resort. She was a wonderful woman, and a dear friend. Our sympathies to Jerry and all the family--she will be sorely missed.
Jean & Roger Pataky
Regina Sober
August 21, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I know she meant a lot to you as the stories you shared were of great love of how much she meant to you.
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