Obituary of Shirley Martin

Shirley Ann Martin October 17, 1932 - April 18, 2016 Shirley Ann Cousino was born in Monroe on October 17, 1932. She was one of five children born from the union of the late Preston and Mildred (Masserant) Cousino. She attended Cousino School in LaSalle and St. Joseph Grade School graduating from St. Mary Academy in 1951. Shirley worked for Michigan Bell as a telephone operator. She married Paul Martin at St. Joseph Church on October 26, 1957. From this union came the birth of six children. Shirley was a homemaker, lending a hand on the farm wherever she could, and running the family produce stand. A member of St. Joseph Parish, Shirley was a former member of the Altar Society and had volunteered at the church festival. She was an avid Detroit Tiger Fan cheering them on from the comfort of her living room, and she never missed her soap: "As the World Turns". Shirley was known for her love of genealogy and amazing memory; often recalling birthdays, anniversaries, and other events for family or friends. She wasn't much for technology, preferring to stay in touch the old fashioned way with hand written cards and letters. She enjoyed challenging herself with jigsaw puzzles. Shirley, age 83 of Erie passed away at home on Monday, April 18, 2016. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband Paul; brother: Orvel; brother-in-law: James Cousino; three sisters-in-law: Marie (Bressler) Cousino, Virginia (Gaynier) Cousino, and Donna (Knaggs) Cousino; and nephew: Joel Cousino. To cherish her memory she leaves six children: Barbara (Walter "Butch") Berger of Curtice, Ohio, Gary Martin of Erie, Laura Martin of Erie, Karen (Charlie) Reau of Erie, Larry (Michele) Martin of San Diego, California, and Paula (Matt) Cairns of Lincoln Park; three siblings: Elwood Cousino of Monroe, Lowell (Elizabeth) Cousino of Lambertville, and Prudy Cousino of Erie; four granddaughters: Katie, Emily, and Rachel Reau, and Gracie Martin; with a grandson on the way. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Friday, April 22, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit (734) 848-5185 with a Rosary at 6:00pm. She will lie in state from 11:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 12:00pm, Saturday, April 23 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2238 Manhattan with Father David Cybulski officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph School or the Humane Society of Monroe County. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.