Shirley LeDuc

Shirley Ann LeDuc was a devoted wife and mother. Although Shirley was an active woman who traveled many places and enjoyed many pursuits throughout her life, her favorite place was home with her husband and children, and her favorite activity was caring for them.

1931 was a year of hardship in the United States, as unemployment rose, so did The Empire State Building; completed that year, the marvel of modern architecture became the tallest building in the nation. President Hoover tried to lead the country out of the Depression, but hopes were low among Americans. However, for George and Floy (Baisley) Harrington of Flint, Michigan there was reason to celebrate as they welcomed their daughter Shirley into the world on June 11th of that same year.

As a child, Shirley’s father had several different jobs, so the family traveled around a lot. In order to support the family, George worked as a commercial fisherman as well as for a printing company in California. Therefore, although she was born in Flint, Michigan, Shirley would later graduate from Santa Monica High School in California in 1950. While she was growing up, Shirley was very devoted to her mother, and the two even worked together at the Ann Arbor Club, which was a private men’s club. Shirley loved Ann Arbor, Michigan, and when she was ready to settle in one place, she made Ann Arbor her home, a location she would enjoy for fifty years.

When Shirley blossomed into adulthood, it was not long before she caught the eye of a young man named Raymond LeDuc. After a traditional courtship, the lovebirds were married in 1951. Together, the couple would have five children. Shirley was very involved with her kids and was the den leader for both the Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops that her children were in. A devoted mother, Shirley stayed close to home until her kids were grown. She loved to sew and was a true homemaker; while Raymond worked outside the home, she ran the household and made sure that her kids were taken care of. Shirley excelled at all of her duties as a homemaker. A terrific cook, she was known for her baking, especially her rhubarb cake, which was a family favorite. However, Shirley was known to like all kinds of food.

As her children grew, Shirley took jobs outside of the home working for the Ann Arbor School Systems. A generous woman, she also donated her time to the United States Census Bureau. Shirley’s religion was also important to her; as a faithful member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, she was both a volunteer and a member of the Altar Guild.

Despite her jobs outside of the home, Shirley’s favorite place to be was with her family. Together she and Raymond made homes in West Branch, Michigan at his family’s farm and in Englewood, Florida as well as their home in Ann Arbor. With Raymond at her side she would often ride ATV’s and snowmobiles at their farm. Although she loved being home, she had an adventuresome spirit. She loved traveling west from Mexico to Montana and also enjoyed occasional cruises. When Shirley wasn’t traveling the United States, she loved square dancing, and she and Raymond belonged to the “Jackson Trippers”. Shirley was an active woman; besides square dancing, she also enjoyed swimming.

After 73 years of a life filled with love and family Shirley passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2004 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Raymond, her five children, Raymond Dale LeDuc, Ronald (Carole) LeDuc, Michael LeDuc, Susan (David) Christman and Karen LeDuc. Eight grandchildren, Scott LeDuc, Sara LeDuc, Adam LeDuc, Amy LeDuc, Jeffrey LeDuc, Steven LeDuc, Austin Christman, Lisa Christman, and two great grandchildren, Hailey LeDuc and Makayla LeDuc also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Jack Harrington. The family will receive friends at the Nie Lifestory Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Rd., on Thursday, August 26, 2004 from 5:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. and Honor Program, P.O. Box 1132, Fairfax, VA 22038-1132. Please visit Shirley’s personal webpage at LifeStorynet.com to read her lifestory, leave a memory or sign her guestbook.

Shirley was a person who found joy in the simple things in life. A woman who valued experiences over material objects, her favorite possessions were her children and her greatest day was the day that she married Raymond in 1951. With her love for family and willingness to help others, she will be greatly missed.