Condolences

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  10/13/2026

  Mike Pillen

  Shirley — My Early Second Mom ❤️ Shirley was my early second mom! Growing up in our neighborhood in the late '60s and early '70s, we had a special bond among the families on our side of the block — the Johnsons, the Andrises, and the Pillens. There was Greg and Patty Johnson, Cindy and Paul Andris, and me, Mike Pillen. We were all part of a simpler time when the neighborhood was our playground, and everyone knew everyone. Back in those good old days, I guess you could say I was the neighborhood's own little Dennis the Menace! 😂 We'd head out when the sun came up and stay out until the streetlights came on. My mom worked during the day, while Shirley stayed home and worked alongside Bob with his upholstery business. So, naturally, I adopted Shirley as my daytime mom! I won't go into all the details but let me put it this way: I never knocked when I walked into the Johnson household. I just walked right in like I owned the place! Keep in mind, all of this happened when I was between the ages of 6 and 12. And I fondly — and I mean FONDLY — remember that every time I walked through that door unannounced, Shirley would greet me with the words: "Now what do you want?" 😂❤️ I LOVED that lady! Looking back, those little moments mean so much. Shirley was part of my childhood in a way that stays with me to this day. She was more than just a neighbor's mom; she was someone who made me feel at home, even when I showed up uninvited! To Greg and Patty, you were blessed to call Shirley your mom. Cherish those memories, cherish the laughter, and cherish all the little things that made her who she was. Some of us were lucky enough to get a little piece of that motherly love, too. Those were truly the good old days, and I'll always be grateful that Shirley was part of mine. Rest easy, Shirley. Thank you for the memories, the love, and all those "Now what do you want?" moments. You'll always have a special place in my heart. ❤️