Sally Jane “SJ” Shireman, 91 of Hayward, passed away on the afternoon of the Winter Solstice, Friday December 21st at the Aspen Acres Assisted Living facility.

SJ was born on October 12th, 1929 in Wilmette, Illinois to Earle D. and Sarah (Bryant) Lyon. She grew up in Winnetka Illinois, graduating from New Trier High School in 1945.  After briefly attending an eastern university she returned to the Midwest.  SJ married Charles ‘Skip’ Shireman in Chicago on July 1st, 1947.  In the early 1950s the couple moved to SJ’s family owned property on Bass Lake in Sawyer County.  Skip and SJ raised their three daughters Sandy, Candy & Jan, on or near the lake that has become a permanent home to their children and grandchildren and a passionate and treasured piece of family history. Following her husband’s death she became a member of WOW, a local widow’s group and remained a longtime friend of Bill W.  SJ was also a lover of animals with a particular fondness for horses, which she raised, rode and trained.  In her later years she enjoyed watching the deer, squirrels, bear, and birds that frequented her front yard. And as her joy deepened for those furry and feathered critters around her so did her commitment to environmental causes, organizations, and justice.

SJ is survived by her daughters Sandra Lyon of Springbrook, and Jan (Gerard) Grabowski of Bear Lake, Michigan, grandsons Kelly (Megan) Johansen of Bloomington, Minnesota, Galen Grabowski of Tucson, Arizona, granddaughters Annie (Curt) Hubach of Springbrook, Jessica Hutchison of Hayward, Bonnie Lyon-Brooks of Pioneertown, California, Sage Lyon-Brooks of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Anna Grabowski of Buffalo, New York, as well as three great grandson’s Daniel, Hayden & Daxten, and three great granddaughters Makenna, Sophia and Anniston. 

SJ was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Charles Shireman, her sister Susan (Wallace) Lyon and her daughter Candis Shireman.

The family is planning a private celebration of life in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Northwoods Humane Society in her name at 10812 N O Brien Hill, Hayward Wi 54843. 

Last Update: Jan 03, 2019 2:30 pm CST