Shirley Alice LeMay

Shirley was born on March 3rd, 1932, in Mount Vernon, a small town in southern Illinois.

She faced an early challenge with the passing of her father when she was twelve.  She lived with her grandparents for most of her teen and high school years. She graduated from Mount Vernon high school in 1950.

She married husband Jim in 1953.

Shirley’s first job was with the Ford Motor Company when she Jim lived in Detroit. Her career there was short – pregnant women were not permitted at the office. She devoted her next 25 years to her family. When the kids were older Shirley began work as a staff accountant at Bay Village City Hall – where she worked for over 25 years. At City Hall she was known for the quality and integrity of her work.

Shirley loved music. She played the cello in the high school. She also played the piano and held season tickets to the Cleveland Orchestra for many years.

Shirley was a fashionista in her own way. She loved clothes and shoes but only if she could buy them at a bargain. She was masterful at finding deals and shopping the discount racks. She loved taking the grandkids shopping (she loved taking anyone shopping), and she loved a bargain.

Shirley loved to cook and try new recipes. She belonged to the same gourmet group for decades. When she came to visit, she would bring a new stack of recipes to try. On her kitchen wall was a picture that stated, “A full cupboard bespeaks a generous heart.”   Her cupboard was always full.

Joining many other Bay Village ladies, Shirley ran in road races in town and in other cities. While still in her 50s, Shirley, who was 5 feet tall,  105 pounds and a mother of 4 --- ran a 16 mile road race.

She was a long time member of the Bay Village Women’s Club Foundation where she was treasurer and worked on the Scholarship Committee to raise college funds for deserving high school students.

Shirley’s Christian faith was her guiding light for her entire life, and she lived her faith every day. She was deeply committed to her church where she sang in the choir and made many close and lifelong friends.

More than anything else Shirley was devoted to her family. She took great pride and joy in her four children and eleven grandchildren.  She was always there for her children -- every concert, sporting event and school program. She even chaperoned a youth soccer trip to Europe and Russia. She was a master at celebrating holidays – a house full of family was perhaps her greatest joy – warmth, togetherness and way too much food.

As a person Shirley will be remembered for her optimism, kindness, and empathy. She always looked for the best in others and could always find something nice to say. She was quick to feel another’s troubles and would say “oh, well that must be very hard”.  She had a way about her that would brighten the day of all who crossed her path – making them feel heard, understood, and better about their situation and themselves.

Shirley touched and enriched many lives.  None more than her children and grandchildren each of whom felt her deep devotion and love.  We will always cherish our mother’s memory and we are grateful to be able to share her story with you.

The family would prefer that those who wish may make contributions do so in her name to the Bay Village Women's Club Foundation Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 40433, Bay Village OH 44140 or an organization of choice.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 9 from 3-4 PM, AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH FOLLOWED BY A PERIOD OF VISITATION FROM 4-6 PM. THE FAMILY KINDLY REQUESTS THAT MASKS ARE TO BE WORN FOR THE SERVICE AND VISITATION.

Those who wish to view the service virtually, may view it by clicking on the live stream link below on this web page.