Shirley Zawistowski Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley May Zawistowski on February 2, 2025. She left this world for a better, glorious place, embraced in the loving arms of the Lord and surrounded by angels. She has been reunited with her parents, Stanley and Lorraine, her brother Jim and his wife Pam, her sister-in-law Carol, nephew Mark, and great-niece Tiffany.
She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Stan, Dee Howe, Linda (Jeff) Mendenhall, and Richard (Gwen), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and close friends.
Shirley graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1966 before pursuing her passion for nursing. After graduating from the University of MN, she worked as a registered nurse in the ER at HCMC in Minneapolis. In 1984, she took part in the historic Minneapolis nurses' strike, standing alongside her colleagues in the fight for fair wages and better working conditions. When the strike left her unable to work, she made the bold decision to move to Naples, Florida, where nurses were in high demand. She went on to dedicate over 40 years to her career, many of them in the ER, earning a reputation for her compassion, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her patients.
Beyond her career, Shirley found joy in life's simple pleasures-walking the beach, fishing off the Naples Pier with the old-timers, and traveling. She had a generous spirit, always welcoming visitors into her home and sharing her love of the Naples area, especially those beautiful sunsets. Though she built a life in Florida, she deeply missed her family and returned home often; always timing her visits around the Minnesota State Fair, where she could enjoy her favorite traditions and spend time with loved ones.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held after Easter in Naples, Florida, and later in the summer in Minnesota. Dates will be determined at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's honor to Golden Paws Assistance Dogs at goldenpaws.org/donate.
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