Shirley A. Stevens, age 86, passed away on November 20th, 2021 peacefully at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Chelsea, MI surrounded by her family. She was born December 11, 1934 in Dearborn, MI to Louis and Alice Cruzen. She was the youngest of three older brothers, Louis, Calvin (Sharon), and Robert (Barbara) Cruzen, whom all preceded her death.
Although she graduated from high school in Dearborn, she spent most of her high school years in Cheboygan, MI. Through the years she loved keeping in touch with all her girlfriends and went to almost every reunion. She met her husband, Victor Stevens, while working at Chrysler Corporation, and they were married in 1958. They were very devoted to each other and were married for 60 years until his passing in 2018.
They were always together and enjoyed spending time with family, nieces, and nephews, and their grandchildren. They moved to Ann Arbor to raise a family, kept a beautiful home, and were involved in many organizations together such as the Sierra Club and local political affiliates. Most of all, they loved to travel the world together, visiting many countries, national parks, and spent winters in Florida enjoying retirement.
For many years Shirley worked as a data processor for the University of Michigan. She had a passion for genealogy and was a member of numerous related organizations, such as Daughters of the American Revolution and the Michigan Genealogical Council. As recent as two years ago, she was still actively conducting research and writing articles. She received many awards and letters of recognition for her research, including from President Obama.
She was an expert sewer, participated in local quilting groups, and made flawless clothing and embroidery items. She always kept in touch with every family member, no matter how distant or extended in the family. She made an effort to connect people and relatives together that otherwise may have never known or met each other.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kerry (Christopher) Smyth, and her grandchildren, Christopher Ross and Olivia Smyth.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). https://www.dar.org/giving/ways-give/donate-online.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
