Shirley T. VanDeMaele, 81, of Rock Island, IL, departed for her heavenly home on Friday, October 7, 2022, at St. Anthony's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rock Island, IL., where she had resided since 2017.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 1:30 pm. at St. Mary's Church in Rock Island. Inurnment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church in Rock Island, Kings Harvest Ministries of the Quad-Cities, Davenport, IA, or the Animal Aid Humane Society at 239 50th St., in Moline.

Shirley was born in Moline on July 20, 1941, to Charles and Odile (DeMeulemaere) VanDeMaele.

Shirley graduated from Alleman High School, class of "1961". Her primary employment was at Moline Public Library and Moline Public Hospital.

She was a member of St. Mary's Church in Rock Island and enjoyed walking (especially with her beloved dog, "Kringle"), crocheting, Bingo, and Rummy.

Survivors include her sister, Elsie VanDeMaele of Moline; two nieces; two nephews; close friends Judy Clark and Jeri Lauer. There are several surviving cousins; especially supportive being Judy Kirzeder and Kathy Colgan. The long-standing concern and loyalty of the Chapman family, Sean, Kirsten, Harper and Owen, were indispensable to Shirley's well-being.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Lawrence VanDeMaele, and two sisters, Lorraine Dobbels and Lauretta Marquardt.

Family and friends are invited to express condolences at www.wendtfuneralhome.com