(March 29, 1929 – December 18, 2021)

Shirley Hanson passed away at the age of 92 after a long illness. At the time of her death, Shirley was being cared for at the Plymouth Place Rehabilitation Center in LaGrange Park, Illinois. Shirley resided for many years at Bethlehem Woods Retirement Community in LaGrange Park, where, in retirement, she enjoyed her daily interactions with many of the residents. She loved talking with her friends about sports, especially about football, and especially about the Green Bay Packers, or about something she had recently read. For her entire life, Shirley was an avid reader, frequenting the LaGrange Public Library weekly, and never being without a book, whether it was on the commuter train, at home, or on vacation. Hanson had a long career as an executive secretary to a senior partner at the Arthur Andersen Accounting firm in downtown Chicago. Shirley graduated from Northwestern University and became a lifelong fan of the Wildcats. She was also a fan of both the Premier League and Australian rules football. The latter grew out of her many trips to Australia, a place she always loved to visit and hoped to one day live. She enjoyed many years with her dearest friend and partner Lois Pubantz, traveling around the country, swimming, cooking, visiting Lois’s kids and grandkids in North Carolina and Arizona. Her friend predeceased her, but Lois’s children and grandchildren became her adopted family.

An intelligent and very independent woman, “Aunt Shirley” leaves behind two of her “kids,” Jerry Pubantz of Clemmons, North Carolina, and Judith Lochner of Phoenix, Arizona; five “grandchildren,” Joanna (Matthew) Britt, David (Melanie) Pubantz, Lisa Pubantz, Jeffrey Pubantz, and Matthew Lochner; and four “great-grandchildren,” Nora and Noelle Britt, and Nolan and Grant Pubantz.

The family extends its thanks to those who cared for Shirley in this difficult time at LaGrange Hospital and Plymouth Place. We also thank the many aides who helped Shirley with her infirmities over the years at Bethlehem Woods, with special thanks to her close friend and aide, Sondra, who was with Shirley during her last days.

A private interment service will be held later at Oakridge-Glen Oak Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.