Shirley Mary Wulff

Shirley M. Wulff, 97, of Manteno passed away with her family at her side, in her home on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Shirley was born on October 20, 1926, in Ashkum; the daughter of Francis and Rosella (Weber) Gray. Shirley married Donald H. Wulff in Ashkum on October 29, 1949; they shared 66 years together until his passing in 2015. Shirley was a registered nurse at Illinois Central RailRoad Hospital in Chicago for many years; she and Donald moved to Manteno in 1951. Shirley along with her husband owned and operated Don’s Family Restaurant as well as the Spokes of Fashion Dress Shop in Manteno, IL for many many years. Throughout Shirley’s life, she was a very active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno, Our Lady of Academy Catholic School, and the nurse’s association affiliated with St. Mary’s Hospital in addition to being an avid seamstress, gardener and an interior decorator. Shirley’s life was truly blessed by her large family and multiple friends. She and her husband Don traveled the world with various groups which included the Restaurant Association, and family and friends. Shirley is survived by her children: Merrie “Jane” (Michael) Middleton of Manteno, Donna (Mike) Downey of Manteno, Andrea (Bill Hand) Wulff of San Francisco, CA, Nancy (John) Kaufman of Manteno, and Donald (Julie) Wulff of Manteno, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, her sister Rita (Leo) Weller of Cullom, and sister-in-law Bobbie Gray of Ashkum, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her daughter Susan, and brothers Paul (Bud), Bob, Vince and John as well as two sister-in-laws Frances Beutien and Dorothy Knupp. The family will receive guests at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Manteno on Thursday, September 5, from 9-11 am. A funeral mass celebrated by Rev. Thomas Theneth will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno following the visitation at 11:30 am. Burial will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Manteno immediately following mass. There will be a dinner in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall after the burial. In lieu of flowers please leave memorials in Shirleys name to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ride 4 Life Cancer Run, the Alzheimer’s Association, or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please visit Shirley’s online obituary and guest book at www.clancygernon.com

Shirley Mary Wulff

October 20, 1926 - August 31, 2024