Shirley Ann Courchene

August 26, 1940 - December 19, 2021

Shirley Ann Courchene (nee Williams) was born into eternal life on December 19, 2021 surrounded by her family. Shirley was born August 26, 1940 to the late Harold and Berniece Williams in Tracy, Minnesota. The family later moved to Chicago - she was the oldest of their eight children. On January 6, 1962, Shirley married the love of her life, Gregory Courchene, at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Church, in Chicago, Illinois. They were married for 55 years and raised their 3 children on the South Side of Chicago. They retired in 1991 to Oshkosh, Wisconsin; he preceded her in death. Shirley was the backbone of her family and a wonderful homemaker – making any guest feel warm and welcomed with a perpetual pot of coffee on and fresh homemade treats to serve. She was the best listener and was quick to share stories and offer advice. She was a loving mom, devoted grandma, proud great-grandma and dedicated sister and aunt – Godmother to many. She loved cooking and baking, crafting and card making. She was a faith filled, prayerful and loyal servant – attending mass daily and carrying a rosary in nearly every jacket pocket. She was active in her home parish, St. Jude (at the St. Vincent site) Catholic Church in Oshkosh - singing, baking and cleaning church. Wherever she saw a need, whether it was family, friend or complete stranger, she would offer her help, motivate and pitch in. She will be missed by her children Mary (Mike) VanRossum, Kaukauna, WI.; Greg Jr. (Julie), Oshkosh, WI; Ann Marie (Jim) Diers, Athens, WI. She impacted the lives of her grandchildren Susan (Eric) Lindgren, Amanda (Chris) Swaw-Wyer, Andrew (Sara) Swaw, Alec Swaw; Jessica (Dylan) Nowicki, William Courchene and Laura Courchene; Alyssa (Matt) Weise, Hannah Joy (Steve) Dahl, Jared (Haley) Diers, Stella Cole. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren. Shirley is further survived by her siblings Bonnie Porch, Calvin (Sue) Williams, Betty (Vic) DelMar, Rita (Patrick) Donovan, Rick (Marge) Williams; in-laws Carolyn Williams, Lynn Williams, Phillip Courchene, Kathy Gigante. She will be remembered by so many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by Ralph and Eleanor Courchene, her brothers, Marvin and Roy Williams and sister in-law and brothers-in-law Janice and Jim Buccheri, Glenn Porch and Thomas Gigante. The family would like to express their gratitude to Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care and Home Instead for their attention and assistance these last several months. A special thank you to Mike and Mary VanRossum for sharing their home with Mom and tending to her every need. Due to Covid restrictions, private services have taken place. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be planned for a later date. “Though I may forget you, it’s important that you see just how much it means to me that you remember me.” -Daniel Mark Extrom