GLADSTONE - Shirley M. LaFond Johnston, Sept. 13,1926, to Sept. 23, 2012.
On Sept. 23, 2012, Shirley Johnston ended her long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Shirley was born on Sept. 13, 1926, in Gladstone, Mich. She passed away at Whitehills Health Care Center ( East Lansing, Mich.).
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard (Glen) Johnston; son, Gary Johnston; parents, Williard and Marcelene LaFond; in-laws, Harold and Caroline Johnston; sister, Lois Camps and brother, Jack LaFond.
Article Photos
Shirley M. LaFond Johnston
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Neal) Zuzga, Gretchen (Ben) Bonnell; grandchildren, Gina (Carl) Thomas, Nina Dalisio, Anthony Dalisio, Brandi (Mitchell) Gray, Erika Bonnell, Brittany Bonnell; four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; and sister, Nancy (Robert) Provo; sister-in-law, KoKo LaFond; and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley traveled the world with her husband while he served in the Armed Forces. They settled in Gladstone after his retirement from the Army. Shirley was active in the Catholic Church, an avid golfer, a member of the Gladstone Fan Club and overall just enjoyed being part of the Gladstone community. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2001 she spent her declining years in East Lansing, Mich., at Whitehills Health Care facility where she kept the nurses and aides on their toes by continually trying "to escape."
Shirley's family will receive friends on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services to celebrate the life of Shirley Mae (LaFond) Johnston will follow visiting hours at 1 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Ronald Timock of the All Saints Church officiating.
Shirley will be laid to rest at the Fernwood Cemetery following funeral services. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's name at your local or National Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County.
The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Johnston family with arrangements. Messages of condolence to Shirley's family may be offered online at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com/
