Shirley M. Stapleton-Odems

Shirley Stapleton-Odems, whose life was marked by strength and unconditional love, passed away on October 3, 2024, in the comfort of her home. Known for her remarkable resilience, Shirley faced every challenge with grace and courage. Her tireless work ethic provided for her family with unwavering determination, and her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Shirley’s heart was as expansive as her spirit, always giving selflessly to those around her. Whether through a warm meal, a kind word, or simply her presence, she enriched the lives of everyone she touched. Her home was a sanctuary of love, where family and friends found comfort and joy. As Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Shirley truly embodied this, sharing her love generously with all who crossed her path.

Shirley often credited her mother for shaping the values she held dear, expressing deep gratitude for her mother’s sacrifices. She lived with purpose, ensuring that her mother’s efforts were never in vain by passing on those same values to her family.

Throughout her life, Shirley raised twin daughters, traveled the world, and became a successful business owner.

She was cherished by her community for her immense heart and unflinching honesty, always balancing compassion with a firm sense of discipline for the betterment of those around her.

She is survived by her daughter, Fonda; bonus daughters, Kim, Monique, Tia, Terra, and Catherine; her grandchildren, Tony, Pekelo, Fonda, Briana, Pietro, and Nate; her great-grandchildren, Kaylynn, Sharon, AJ, Isaiah, Ariya, Lorelei, Lilah, Logan, Petey, Ava, Nash, and Niko; her cherished dog, Bella; and many other beloved extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Fawn Pusateri. While we grieve her passing, we find comfort in the thought that Shirley is now reunited with Fawn in heaven, their spirits together in eternal peace. They watch over us from above, their bond of love unbroken, forever guiding and protecting those they left behind. She was also preceded in death by her parents Mary and Nathaniel Deckard; her siblings, Gerturde Wilkerson, James Pearl Stapleton, Shirley Mae Burnett, LC Stapleton and Charles Stapleton.

Shirley’s spirit of love, strength, and generosity will continue to live on through the lives of her family, whose hearts and spirits she touched so deeply.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 9:00 AM until the time of Service at 11:00 AM.

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