Rapid River, MI
Shirley L. Bruno, age 100 of Rapid River passed away Thursday morning, June 29, 2023 at Lakeview Assisted Living.
Shirley was born March 13, 1923 in Bad Axe, MI, the daughter of David Railling and Dorothy (Mayville) Railling.
Following High School graduation and after starting her family, Shirley attended Central Michigan University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree with a Teaching Certificate.
Shirley was united in marriage to Harry A. Bruno on September 19, 1942.
Shirley was the mother of four children and the first grade teacher for hundreds of students over her more than 30 years of elementary teaching at the St. Charles Community Schools in Michigan. She and her husband enjoyed their rural life in St. Charles and spent leisure time with family and special friends at “the lake” or camping in northern Michigan. They lead a strong spiritual life and often helped others in times of need. Shirley was also known for and had many requests for her personalized poems, a writing talent in which she engaged right up to her one-hundredth birthday.
Shirley is survived by:
Son: Kirk (Irina) Bruno of Rapid River, MI
Daughter: Jacqueline Garno of Petoskey, MI
Grandchildren: Steven (Brenda) Bruno, Cochran, Georgia
Lisa (Greg) Byram, Cochran, Georgia
Corey (Jenelle) Bruno, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Robin (Steve) Chapekis, Escanaba, Michigan
In addition, Shirley leaves behind and will be missed by her Great and Great Great Grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews and special friends from her lifetime.
In addition to her Parents, Shirley is preceded in death by:
Husband: Harry Bruno
Daughter: Shelby Bruno
Son: Harry Bruno
Brother: David Railling
Brother: James Railling
Sister: Madeline (Railling) Lonsway
Shirley’s family wishes to extend many grateful thanks to Lakeview Assisted Living of Gladstone and the UP Health System Hospice caregivers.
No public services are planned at this time.
Christine Mcclinchy - Escanaba, MI
Such a special lady. So enjoyed her.She will be missed.
Heather Railling Peterson - San Diego, Ca
I am Shirley’s great niece. Her brother James had a son named Dennis Railling and I am his daughter; Heather Railling (Peterson) of San Diego, Ca. During my life I’ve never had the honor of meeting Shirley, though she sounds like a lovely lady and I’m glad to have learned about her legacy and family lineage. The departure of Shirley is immeasurable, though the fruit of her life will continue to bloom. My condolences to all who weep and have had the joy of knowing Shirley. Even though we haven’t met, I am grateful for her. Prayers and blessings to all from me.
Aaron Young - Gladstone, MI
As a past care giver and friend of Shirley’s it was truly an honor and privilege to get to know such a special lady as Shirley truly was.
Through our visits we found that she and her husband were also friends with a family from where I grew up near Lakeview, Michigan which brought us even closer together.
Shirley had a strong and beautiful faith and always, always had kind words to say about others which is almost unheard of anymore in this world.
Shirley lived her life as beautifully as the wonderful woman she was. She never gave up, but lived life demonstrating her faith in the many good and also unfortunate times that come to many people especially over a 100 year period.
I feel blessed for the short time I knew her. I know without any doubt that Shirley has received her crown of life and has been reunited with her family and friends she has missed so very much through the past years.
Blessings to her family!
Bobbi Jo Railling Clanche - Six Lakes , Mi
Shirley was an amazing cousin. She was such a sweet lady. Although it has been a few years since we last talked I thought of her often. She will be missed by many. Im sure she is happy to be reunited with Harry and children. Rest in peace sweet Shirley.