Shirley Joan Yondo, née Bader, affectionately known as Nanny, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, in Grand Rapids, MI, at the age of 94. Daughter of the late James and Lillian Bader, Shirley was born on June 5, 1930, in Buffalo, NY. Shirley dedicated her life to her faith and her family.
Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Donald “Papa” Yondo; her sisters, Joyce Macko and Beverly Elias; sisters-in-law, Mary Yondo, Patrice Hammitt; and brothers-in-law, George Macko, George Elias, and Gilbert Yondo. She is survived by her children, Lynn (Doug Elkins) Yondo of Rockford, Guy (Jacqueline) Yondo of Caledonia, Jill (John) Conroy of Spring Lake, Mark Yondo of Grand Rapids, and Ward (Angela) Yondo of Grand Rapids; brother-in-law, Richard Hammitt of North Carolina; grandchildren, Nate (Courtney) Mazurek, Ryan (Cindy) Mazurek, Shaun Mazurek, Chelsea (Matt) Yondo-Feller, Hailey (Paul) TenHarmsel, Liam Conroy, Luke Conroy, Molly Conroy, Lilli Conroy (Max Vicari), Ashley (Brandon) Mosely, Jyssica (Christopher) Russell, Reilly (Kyle) Hendricks, Jordan (Carla) Jerez-Yondo, Sidney (Hannah) Yondo, Gabriel (Emma Howard) Yondo, Adrien Yondo, Quinn Yondo, Augusta Yondo; 15 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
A devout member of the Catholic Church, Shirley’s faith guided her actions and brought comfort and joy not only to her but to all who were blessed to know her. Her unconditional love and dedication were evident in every aspect of her life and will be deeply missed. Shirley was a profoundly loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose devotion knew no bounds. Her family, including her sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews, was central to her life.
Shirley’s family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff at St. Ann’s. This staff has become part of our extended family, and we are forever thankful for the love and kindness they gave our Mother. We would also like to thank Emmanuel Hospice at St. Ann’s for the loving care given to our mother.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at St. Ann’s Home, 2161 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, with visitation one hour prior. Rev. Msgr. Ed Hankiewicz presiding. Private Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Onekama, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Deacon Dale Hollern Scholarship Fund at Catholic Central High School.