Obituary of Shirley Ann Paro

Shirley Ann Paro, 89, of Duluth, passed away on September 17, 2021.

Shirley was born to Olaf and Lillian Olson of Grand Marais, on January 20, 1932. She is the matriarch of the Paro family, as well as a Mother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great-Grandmother, Friend and many other loving titles.

Shirley spent her life caring for others. Her big, beautiful heart welcomed everyone into the family. Though incredibly warm and kind, Shirley was also a woman of strength. She was a homemaker and sole provider for eight children, and later worked at Woolworth's lunch counter, Mile High Cafe, Garbor Catering at the DECC, and St. Mary's Hospital kitchen. In retirement, she volunteered as a Senior Companion and driver for the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency. Shirley was an avid flower gardener, seamstress, baker, and played cribbage both for the Round Up team as well as with family and friends at every opportunity.

She is survived by her siblings, Donald (Judy), Carol (Norm), and Helen; children, Charles (Debbie), Gary (Suzy), Frank (Dawn), Ralph, Dawn (Jerome Sr.), and Bruce (Christy); and a plethora of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband Roger; sisters, Betty, Dorothy, Ruth, and Janet; brothers, Kenneth and Roger; and children, Steven, Donald, Ronald, and Jacquelyn.

The Paro family would like to acknowledge the quality care provided to Shirley by Viewcrest Health Center.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 3 p.m. Friday, September 24, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. 218-208-0223