Shirley passed away peacefully on January 14, 2023 at the Wings Home in Allegan surrounded by her family and friends.
She was born August 3, 1933 in Pine Grove Township to Charles and Hazel (McKee) Pickard. In November of 1950 she married Carl Brainard, who preceded her in death, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Shirley worked for over 30 years at Parker Brass in Otsego until her retirement. In her leisure time she loved camping, gardening and spending time with her friends. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all.
Surviving are her son Harry (Cindi) Brainard of Otsego; daughters Patricia (Robert) Shaefer of Golden Valley, AZ, Carlene White of Plainwell and stepdaughter Judy Matthews of Otsego; grandchildren, Jason Brainard, Jennifer (Adam) Reece, James White, Jeff (Melisa) Matthews, Tom (Jerrie) Matthews and many great grandchildren.
She was united with Lucian Marks on May 2020 who passed away in 2022. Surviving are his children Pamela (Donald) DeVisser of Kona, Hawaii and son Rex (Leslie) Marks of McKinney, Texas.
Cremation has taken place.
Burial of ashes will take place at a later time at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta.
Contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to Wings Home, c/o Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Lee nd Diane Boysen
Shirley was a wonderful person. She had a big heart and genuinely cared for everyone she met. We will miss her sweet soul.
Shelley Cassada
Prayers Sherily You will be missed
Joyce I Wilson
Shirley was the purest form of love I have ever met. She had a heart of gold and loved unconditionally. Rest in Peace my forever friend!
Lynn Bronkerma
To Shirley Brainard ‘s Family I’m So, So Sorry of the passing of Shirley , your Mom , and my Friend !! I worked with Shirley for years at Parker, where we became Friends~ and we reconnected later at our church.
One could never find anyone who was as kind and friendly of a person than Shirley !!! Just know that now she is at Peace, and in God’s Loving Arms ! She will miss greatly Missed by all ! May she Rest in Peace!
Dan and Julie Andrus
Sending prayers of comfort to Shirley’s family. It was a pleasure working with her at Parker. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.
Alice Comai
Shirley was a close friend, I had known her for over 40 years. She was an ambitious, loving person. We talked about everything. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. I and my family will miss her. She was loved and we will miss her.
Love you Aunt Shirley. Until we meet again
Love Alice and Melissa
Rich and Marleah Simons
Rich and I are so sorry to hear of Shirley passing. She will be missed by many. We met her and Lucian through her son Harry and Cindi. She was always very kind to us and so soft spoken. Shirley is now free with no pain. Hugs and comfort sent to the family.
Nancy Holmes
Shirley was a wonderful lady. I’ve enjoyed my time. With her. Rest in pease
Sandy and Dan Fleming
Shirley, is one of the most caring people that I have ever known. I am going to miss her dearly. Dan and I want to send our deepest and most sincere sympathy to Harry, Cindy, Carlene and Shirley’s entire family. I have had some of the most enjoyable times of my entire life with Shirley and her friends Shirley Syers, Shirley Campbell. Sharon Nieuwenhuis and her sister Dixie. We had several trips to Shipsy Flee Market and shared several campfires at American Campgrounds in Alamo with all of the people I had mentioned plus my husband Dan Fleming, Marlene Werne and Alice Comai. Shirley was one of the most giving people that I have ever known and never did I ever hear her say a bad word about anyone. She was bound determined that I would be with her in her final moments, but it wasn’t meant to be. The first night I stayed with her she said to me I think this will be the night. And I feel she wanted this only because I stayed with her when her husband Carl passed away. I am so grateful that I got to spend the last 3 nights with her at her apartment before she passed awa. We had so many enlightening conversations and had a lot of laughs before her body became so weak that she could respond very well. I am so thankful also that a couple of her co workers Shar Black and Pat Thomas were able to get to visit with her and have great conversations with her. I am also so very thankful to the good lord that her son Harry and daughter in law Cindy were with her when she did pass. One thing I will always remember that Shirley said to me while staying with her is that she was going to be my Guardian Angel. And I truly believe that she will be along with my son and my parents. Love You Miss Shirley and going to miss you. May you Rest in Peace forever and ever.
The family of Dorothy Gren
We’re so saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing.
Shirley was always kind, caring, loving, helped people when and where she could. Our family always enjoyed her company.
Sending prayers and loving thoughts to all of Shirley’s loved ones. RIP Shirley, our family will always remember you with love in our hearts.
Penny Baker
Just heard about Shirley! What a beautiful person, in and out. Always a soft voice, and gentle laugh. She was part of training me at Brass Div Shop.
I always wondered how she could wear a satin long sleeved blouse to work, and Never get dirty! Lol
You will be missed.
Penny Browning Baker
Mona Covault
She was great lady she will be missed