Shirley Mae Sanville

ESCANABA — Shirley Mae Sanville, 89, of Escanaba, passed away Monday morning, Feb. 18, 2019, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 19, 1929 in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Wilfred and Gertrude (Holmes) Mattson of Cornell, Mich. Shirley attended Cornell Elementary School and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1947, the same year she was crowned the “Harvest Queen.” On June 30, 1951, the former Shirley Mae Mattson married Alan Sanville at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. During that time, Shirley was employed as a dental assistant for Dr. Vernon Johnson. She created and managed her at home “day care” for over 32 years. Shirley’s devotion to children and their families became the cornerstone of her love of family and friends. Shirley had a constant smile and endless laugh, along with a sunny attitude that uplifted all of those around her. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she was a member of the dart ball team. Shirley lived her faith through her good works and ran the Bethany Lutheran Church nursery for over 18 years, delivered flowers to the lonely, organized food for funerals, and drove countless church ladies to their destination. Shirley and Al had four children and 64 years of marriage; it was one of the truly genuine love stories.