Shirley Keir

Shirley Ann (Isola) Keir, 84, died August 7, 2012 at her home in Punta Gorda, FL. Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Jim on May 27, 2012. Shirley was born June 1, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Werner and Ann (Bjerk) Isola and raised in Laurium, Michigan, and graduated high school in Calumet, Michigan. Shirley worked several years at Michigan Tech prior to moving to Detroit area and marrying Jim Keir in 1953, where they worked and lived for many years, and enjoyed sailing on Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes. Upon retirement they moved to Laurium, where they also had a cottage on Lake Superior, prior to settling in Punta Gorda in 1980. Shirley was an artist who worked in several mediums, focusing on painting and sculpting. She was an active member of the Associated Artists in Calumet and the Visual Art Center in Punta Gorda. She was active in several charities, especially those aiding animals. Shirley will be deeply missed by her family; sisters, Alice Helwig and Maxine Schillinger; nieces, Laurel Helwig, Patti Unger, Beth Lepping, Amy Dalby; nephews, I. Keir Todd, Thom Schillinger, Stuart Schillinger and John Isola; her "Florida family"; and many others. She was predeceased by her brothers, Werner and Alan Isola. Memorial donations may be made to the local Humane Society.