Shirley Brown (Rossetti), age 79, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Shirley was born on August 22, 1946, in Jamestown, New York, to the late Blaise and Josephine Rossetti. She was a graduate of Falconer Central High School and later attended Jamestown Business College.
Shirley’s love story began while working alongside Austin Brown at the same retail store in Jamestown, New York. Three years later, the two were married in Falconer, New York in May 1968. Together they had 3 children, beginning in Rochester, New York before relocating to Saginaw, Michigan. They then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1983. There, they found their forever home and created countless cherished memories.
Shirley dedicated much of her professional life to J.L. Hudson, Marshall Field’s, Target, and Macy’s department stores, where she served as an Operations and Customer Service Manager for 27 years. After retirement, she found a second career at The Clever Ewe Knit Shop in Ada, Michigan, where she enjoyed sharing her passion for knitting with others.
Family was at the center of everything Shirley did. She found immense joy in spending time with her seven grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, cheering them on, and never missing an opportunity to spoil them. Her generosity and hospitality made her home a gathering place full of homemade meals where every friend and family member never left hungry or without a smile. Shirley also loved tending to her garden, participating in her book club, playing card games, building puzzles, and traveling. She especially enjoyed exploring international destinations and escaping to warm, sunny locales. She enjoyed giving back to her community and served as a volunteer for more than ten years at Pine Ridge Elementary and the Kent District Library.
Shirley will be remembered for her warmth, unwavering devotion to her family, quick wit, generous heart, and the countless ways she made everyone around her feel welcome. Her legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness will live on in all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Austin Brown; her children, Dennis (Jenny) Brown, Anne (Bill) Dixon, and Marci Ardinger; her cherished grandchildren, Emma (Ian Till) Dixon, Will (Samantha) Dixon, Brianda Sellman, Joey Dixon, Meagan Ardinger, Molly Dixon, and Sam Ardinger; her siblings, Louie (Kitty) Rossetti and Kathy Rossetti; along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also leaves behind several beloved grand- and great-grandpuppies and grandkitties, who always brought a smile to her face.
Family will greet friends and relatives from 5-8pm on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, with a Rosary at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, August 7, 2026, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, MI 49301, with visitation one hour prior. Fr. Tony Russo presiding. Interment Cascade Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, friends, and loved ones who supported Shirley throughout her journey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in Shirley’s memory to fund research on Parkinson’s Disease: The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research
7 Responses
Cindy and I are very sorry for your loss. Joan has been kind and kept us in the loop regarding Shirley’s illness. In my view, Shirley is not in pain anymore and in a much better place. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne:
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Bill are in my thoughts.
So sorry for the lost. Shirley was a good person & cousin.
Anne and family,
So to learn of your Mom’s passing. She lived quite a life and will be missed by many. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Austin:
Sorry for your loss. Eternal rest grant unto her Lord.
Austin
So sorry for your loss. I always admired your loving marriage.
In my senior years I celebrate Mass at St. Ann’s Home on Fridays
Shirley and all your family will be in my prayers as you celebrate her funeral Mass.
Fr. Len
Louann and I send our sincere condolences to you, Austin, and your family. The many years we did business together, I always enjoyed our brief but meaningful times with you and Shirley. She was a lovely gal and I’m sure you miss her deeply. I trust she is at peace now and her spirit has been set free. Her obituary says it all and what a gift she was to you and yours. God bless Shirley and all who loved her.