Shirley Herman

Herman, Shirley

MADISON - Shirley Mae Herman (née Harms), 92, the family matriarch, effervescent socializer, old fashioned cocktail connoisseur, and mystery novel aficionado, died Nov. 28, 2021, from congestive heart failure. Born, raised, and college educated in Milwaukee, Shirley consistently enraptured herself in a web of friendships, family, and faith, exemplified by her greeting cards penned in impeccable cursive and 25 years spent teaching Sunday school and leading prayer chains.

In 1952, Shirley married the benevolent Aubrey Henry Herman, with whom she had six children, one of which died in infancy. For someone born just three months before the Great Depression, Shirley had a deep-rooted assurance that life was a gift. She practiced this sense of optimism during decades of volunteer work both in hospitals and elementary schools, where she tutored and mentored children. All the friends and family that composed Shirley's nonagenarian life will immortalize her by remembering her at her happiest: playing backgammon, traveling the world with her husband, crafting at the family cabin, watching reruns of '60s game shows, treating her grandchildren to dinner at Outback Steakhouse, and even the occasional trip to the casino.

Shirley is survived by three of her children, Carol, Bob (Anne), and Steve (Janell) Herman; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Keith Harms; husband, Aubrey; son, James; daughters, Laurie Mullen and Kathy Graham; and granddaughter, Lindsey Mullen.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, no memorial service is scheduled at this time. Instead, her family encourages all to further Shirley's passion for connectivity by calling up a loved one or joining a game of Scrabble with friends.