Shirley B. Knoll

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley B. Knoll, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister and friend, who peacefully departed from this world on September 25, 2024, surrounded by family. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Viola Braun. Born on July 14, 1934, in Milwaukee, WI Shirley was a devoted mother to her children Christine (Joel) De Los Santos, Steven (Sherri) Knoll and John Knoll. She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Tim (Brenda) Biloff, Brett (significant other Meena and her son Neal) Hibl, J (Kristin) De Los Santos, Patie De Los Santos Freimuth, Crystal De Los Santos and Cassandra De Los Santos; each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her sister Phyllis Marquardt, who she dearly loved, as well as 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends she held close in her heart.

Shirley was a lover of all animals both big and small, with a special place in her heart for cats, as known by anyone who knew her.

Shirley has many friends from Garden Homes School in Milwaukee where she worked forming the school’s library along with many other duties from 1969 until her retirement in 1999. She was affectionally known as “The Library Lady” by many classes of students, known for her love of books and the reader of many stories to the children. Yearly reunions were always looked forward to by Shirley and greatly enjoyed. Along with many lifelong lasting friendships, her best friend Mickey Mukai was dearly loved.

Shirley’s friends at Third Church of Christ, Scientist were like family throughout her life. She was a member for more than 50 years where she served for more than 30 years as the church clerk and helped anywhere needed.

We would like to thank Cornerstone Caregiving for their dedication and care especially her favorite caregiver Melissa, whose visits Shirley looked forward to everyday.

Memorial Visitation at Wisconsin Memorial Park 13235 West Capitol Drive Brookfield, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 10, 2024, 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Life service will follow immediately afterwards.

If you have something purple or lilac, please wear it as that was Shirley’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name can be directed to the Milwaukee County Zoo, and/or to Saving Paws Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 0362, Appleton, WI 54912.