Shirley Maloney

Shirley Remus Maloney

 Shirley Maloney, age 89, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024.

Shirley was born in December 1934 and was a lifelong resident of Joliet. She attended St. Mary Nativity’s grade school and graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1953.

 In 1956, Shirley married James Maloney, also of Joliet. The newlyweds spent a year in Germany, where Jim was stationed. They took every opportunity to see Europe during this time, which fueled Shirley’s love of travel.

 Shirley had a big, generous heart, and a warm smile for everyone. She was always happy to lend a hand for parish and school activities at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister for 25 years. In addition, she enjoyed caring for residents as a volunteer at area nursing homes. Shirley loved fashion and decorating, and enjoyed working at several flower and gift shops in the Joliet area, often joking that she spent most of her salary where she worked. She also looked forward to spending the winter months with Jim as a “snowbird” in Mesa, Arizona.

 Shirley is survived by her husband Jim Maloney; her children Mike (Sheryl) Maloney; Mary Lynn (Victor Judd) Maloney; Chris (Tina) Maloney; son-in-law Ed Szydlo; her sisters Ruth Bookout and Kitty (John) Moore; sisters-in-law Alice Vanisko and Kathleen (Don) Sefcik; her 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Thomas “Tim” Remus, Eileen “Toots” (Witty) Remus; her daughter Eileen Szydlo; brothers-in-law Leo Bookout, Joseph DeBretto, John Vanisko and Mike Chizmark; sister-in-law Rosemary Maloney DeBretto

 Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 2-6pm at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 10am at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church (formerly St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church). Private interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter in Lisle, Illinois or Queen of Apostles Catholic Church.