Obituary of Madeleine Leonie Shirley
Madeleine Leonie Shirley of Greeley passed away December 31, 2022 in Greeley. She was born November 26 in Besanćon, France to Charles and Marguerite (Balandret) Roche where she grew up and attended schools.
After the German occupation of France, her sister moved to the U.S. after World War II and Madeleine joined her in Kansas. She met Ovid Harvey Shirley at a dance and they were married in 1952 in Bentonville, Arkansas.
They owned and operated the Airline Store on Highway 36 in Anton, a general store and post office before retiring.
In her earlier years she was a part of the swim team and ski team in France. Later in life, they traveled the world, she enjoyed reading, knitting, sewing and playing the piano. They attended National postal conventions throughout the U.S. and wintered in Mesa, Arizona in retirement years.
Survivors include her children; Ardis (Randy) Peterson, Patsy Shirley-deRoche, Chantal (Eric) Osthoff and Royce Shirley, five grandchildren; Tami Brown, Monica Mika, Rena Baessler, Gage Osthoff and Dane Osthoff as well as 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters; Nellie Nichols and Fernande Carillon.
At Madeleine’s request, no services will be held and she will be buried next to her husband in the Akron Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to “Alzheimer’s Association” or “St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital” in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Condolences may be shared at AdamsonCares.com.
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