Shirley Fuhrmark

Shirley Fuhrmark, 83, of Surprise, AZ, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025. She was born on March 11, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Howard and Ida Schalk.

Shirley grew up in Chicago and was a proud 1959 graduate of Thomas Kelly College Preparatory High School. Shortly after graduation, she married Thomas Tilly; they were married for a number of years before they went their separate ways. Later, she found lasting love with Jim Fuhrmark, whom she married and shared nearly 40 wonderful years together before his passing in 2019.

At the age of 50, Shirley returned to school to pursue her passion for helping others, earning her nursing degree from Harper College. She became a dedicated registered nurse, a profession she loved and worked in until her retirement.

Shirley spent the last 20 years of her life in Surprise, Arizona, where she thrived in the close-knit community. She embraced an active lifestyle and became a skilled and competitive pickleball player, winning numerous gold medals and tournaments. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Shirley enjoyed crocheting and found comfort and joy in creating beautiful pieces for her loved ones.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a cherished member of Grace Community Church in Surprise. Shirley’s kindness, strength, and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her children, Karen (Jim) Brodnan of Crystal Lake and Jeff (Karen) Tilly of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Jenelle (Sean) Hunt, Jacob (Amber) Brodnan, Marissa (Danny) Niesen and Adam Matzl; great-grandchildren, Rowan and Hazel; and by a wide circle of friends and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her daughter, Correen Matzl and by her brother, Donald Schalk.

Visitation will be Monday, February 17, 2025 from 10 AM until the funeral service at 12 Noon at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Burial will immediately follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park, Crystal Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org