Shirley Janowski Montgomery

Shirley Janowski Montgomery
March 25, 1937 - September 30, 2023

Everyday you had to check the newspaper to see if your name was in the obituaries. Well mom, you made it!
 
Shirley Janowski Montgomery, 86, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023.  

A private ceremony in celebration of Shirley’s life was held. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana handled the arrangements.

Shirley was born on March 25, 1937 to the late Raymond and Leona (Jahnz) Johnson.
  
On November 27, 1954, she married Clement "Bud" Janowski, who passed away on February 22, 1986. Together they had five children. On November 1, 1991, she married David Montgomery, who passed away on November 9, 2012. 

Shirley was known for her zest for life and her snarky humor. She was a housewife who stayed at home and raised her children (the good ole days). Her wit, candor, jokes, and pranks always kept us on our toes. She raised her children to have morals, ethics, integrity, responsibility, and accountability in a God-fearing environment. Thank you, Mom. Shirley had a passion for life that was noticeable to those that knew her. She had an enormous amount of mental and physical strength that carried her through the good and bad times in her life, even until the very end. We already miss that.

Her life with Bud began with raising their family, gardening, canning, and always made home-cooked meals every night. Fun times consisted of outdoor movies, going to the beach, treats at the root-beer stand or the Dairy Queen, and many summer vacations. When her children would get on her nerves, she would say “Why don’t you go out and play on the highway?" Thank God back in those days, people had a sense of humor and common sense! 

Her next chapter in life with Dave was quite different. Shirley still enjoyed gardens, but she especially enjoyed her flower gardens. Together with Dave, they enjoyed traveling, walking on the golf course, and foraging for lost golf balls. They loved to frequent their favorite restaurants and visit with her stepdaughter, Pat (“Shirley’s a hoot!”), at her lake house. Shirley was an avid bowler for many decades.

Surviving are her daughters, Deb (Dean aka Mr. Fix It), and Jeanine "Gi" (Craig aka Sexy Legs), who were loyal to Shirley’s needs and care throughout her final journey in life. Also surviving is her stepdaughter, Pat; one son, Greg; grandchildren, Katie, Brandon, Michael, Eric, Reyna, and Josh; and many great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sons; Danny and Mike; and three brothers, Dick, Gil, and Ronnie.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and aides who gave Shirley love, kindness, care, and dignity in the last chapter of her life. Here is one last “Shut up!” from Shirley for all who knew and loved her!

In remembrance of Shirley, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Center for Hospice Care, 309 W Johnson Rd Suite A, La Porte, IN 46350. 

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