Shirley Norrlander

SHIRLEY KATHRYN NORRLANDER, 85 ROCKFORD - Shirley Kathryn Norrlander, 85, of Rockford, died peacefully Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Lincolnshire Place. Born Feb. 1, 1928, in Rockford, the daughter of Carl and Helga (Anderson) Flood. Graduated from East High School in 1945, attended Beloit College, then nurses training at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, graduating in 1949. Shirley always felt privileged to have worked for several fine doctors in her long career as office nurse, including William Slinger, M.D., D. McClelland, D.D.S., and Warren L. Lowry, M.D. Shirley married Roy V. Norrlander Feb. 4, 1950. They were married for 59 years until Roy's death in 2009, living most of their lives in Rockford. She was an avid and accomplished knitter, collector of primitive American antiques, caregiver to many dachshunds over the years, incomparable hostess, and mediocre bridge player! And to her family, she was a great, loving mom and grandma. She is survived by her daughters, Ann (Mark Douglass) Norrlander of Minneapolis, Minn., and Louise (Roland) Poska of Rockford; grandchildren, James (Victoria) Douglass of California, Sarah Douglass of Alaska, and Sommar (Ronnie Loy) of Rockford; great-grandchildren, Ronnie Jr. and Rheanna Loy. Shirley had one brother, Robert Flood, whose gentility, creativity, and golf prowess she admired greatly. Sadly, Robert died many years ago, in the prime of his life. The family wishes to extend very special thanks to the Lincolnshire Place staff and Heartland Hospice for their exceptionally compassionate and attentive care. A private graveside service for family and friends will be held on a future date. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd. To share a memory or condolence, please visit olsonfh.com.