Shirley Grammel

Grammel, Shirley Muskegon, Michigan Shirley Louisa Grammel, age 87, peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus 2 hours before sunrise on Sunday, August 21,2022, releasing her daughter's hand and taking her Savior Jesus Christ's hand. Shirley was born in Muskegon Heights on March 5, 1935, to Finnish Immigrants Arvid and Vendla Sofia Mattson (Stolpe). She was the fourth of five children born into this 1st generation Swede-Finn family. Following her 1953 Muskegon Heights High School graduation, she studied and graduated with a nursing degree from Western Michigan University and Bronson School of Nursing. On May 23, 1959, she married Richard Alan Grammel and together, they built a life of love that included three children, who all survive: Denise (Richard) Parker of Delton, MI, Lisa (Eric) Formberg of Troy, MI, and Rick (Lynn) Grammel of Kalamazoo, MI. Shirley will be forever cherished as Mormor to five grandchildren; Christa (Brad) Babjack, Chad (Chelsea) Formberg, Jib Grammel, Jena (Jake) Toth and Kyle Parker; and two great grandchildren; Cooper Formberg and Elijah Babjack with two more great grands expected before year end. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years June 24, 2021 and is now joyfully reunited with him. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings and one grandson, Aaron Patrick Parker. Shirley's nursing career began and ended at Hackley Hospital in OB with a long stretch at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak (orthopedics and dialysis unit) while she and Dick lived and raised their family in Birmingham for 23 years (1963-1986). In 1986, as Muskegon natives they moved "home" enjoying Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake for sailing and sunsets. Shirley was blessed with a rich and full life, as a faithful wife and loving mother known for her vivacious personality, infectious laugh and contagious smile, capturing the hearts of all who knew her. A meticulous housekeeper and interior designer, Shirley was known by many as a gracious host and entertainer. She held many memorable family gatherings in her home. In later years, as her vision failed, she had a phone ministry with a personal goal to phone at least two people a day. Her mini-pumpkin muffins always in great supply, were ready to be delivered to the ill, convalescent or those needing a sweet treat to cheer. She valued celebratory traditions, especially birthdays and Christmas, where her signature Swedish rice pudding with hidden almond for luck was eagerly anticipated following Christmas dinner. Shirley was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and faithfully shared her gift in the choir at Forest Park Covenant Church for many years. She represented SISU very well and leaves this legacy to her children. SISU! The family rests knowing that Shirley's ultimate healing has taken place and she is finally home. A Celebration of Shirley's life is scheduled for 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Forest Park Covenant Church 3815 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI 49441. Visitation will be one hour prior at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Faith Hospice, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired or Forest Park Covenant Church. O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; even so, it is well with my soul. The Family is being served by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444.