85, passed away peacefully December 27, 2021 after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia & Vascular Dementia. Her two daughters were by her side.
Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Joseph J Berliner; her parents, Clinton & Thelma (Martin) Tabor of Doniphan MO; sister, Barbara Jane Jeske; and sister-in-law Judith Tabor.
She is survived by her daughters Lynn Sinclair (Todd) of Denver CO and Susan Marsden of Bloomington IL; grandchildren – Joshua Marsden, Zachary Marsden, Benjamin Marsden, Michael Kathryn Marsden, Samantha Sinclair, and Joseph Sinclair; and great grandchild Michael James Marsden.
Shirley is also survived by her sister Patricia Hackbart (Wayne) and brother James Tabor; and many relatives and friends.
Shirley was born in Detroit MI in 1936 and moved to a farm in Southeast MO in 1946. On the farm she was a hard worker but also a prankster. In 1954 the family moved to St Louis MO. It was Shirley’s Senior year of High School. She previously attended Naylor HS and Doniphan HS but graduated from McKinley HS in St Louis in 1955. She was active in several clubs, played basketball, and even tried playing the saxophone.
Shirley & her siblings worked together at Forum Cafeteria before she joined General Insurance Co around 1955. In 1961 she began her 30 year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co as an Operator. She retired in 1991 from a position in Management. While raising 2 children, working full-time, and volunteering she pursued a college degree at night. In 1986 she graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor’s degree.
Once Shirley retired she was busier than ever with 6 grandkids, neighbors, sewing & quilting, gardening, basket weaving, ceramics, beadwork and more. She loved spending time with family and friends.
She was a very dedicated volunteer with the George F. Durant Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers including Camp Bluebird (a camp to support adults battling cancer). Shirley had battled & beat breast cancer herself. Shirley also volunteered at one of the museums at Jefferson Barracks. She was also involved with a charity where she would crochet or sew hats & blankets for babies. Shirley often “answered the call” to service to others in need – if she had it, she would give it. Her giving spirit was a blessing to so many.
Services:
Monday, January 31st, Kutis Funeral Home in Affton. Visitation at Noon; Service at 1:00pm followed by Burial at Jefferson Barracks. Covid-19 restrictions apply – please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or the charity of your choice.
Shirley was such an inspiration to all who knew her. We shared many a laugh during Pioneer functions as well as at the Pioneer Shoppe and Telephone Museum. We shared our love for quilting and shared patterns from time to time I was able to visit with her before the pandemic and enjoyed our memories. Rest in peace, my dear friend!
So sorry to hear. My mom was friends with her, rode the bus to work with her, and worked with her. I remember her well. Great lady!
My sympathy and prayers for Lynn and Susie
Shirley was my beloved Aunt who always made me feel welcome and loved.. Quick with a joke and a hug you never doubted where you stood with her. Always kind and Generous with her love and time the world is a smaller place with out her in it. We will forever miss your smile and hugs. .. Love you forever and beyond.
I always had great admiration for Shirley as a working mom and in management I would see her come home from work whe I was hanging out with Sue and marvel at her business attire. What a wonderful person she was. Love to the family as I know she will be missed.