Shirley Lipke

MADISON - Shirley Ann Lipke, age 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 30, 2021. She was born on Sept. 10. 1935, to Vincent and Elvira (Long) Peserik in Two Rivers. WI. Shirley had wonderful stories of her adventures growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan. As dementia tightened its grip on her bright mind, it was these memories of "Trivers" that never faded.

When Shirley was 11, her mother passed away. She lovingly took responsibility of caring for her family. At that time, dinner was served at lunch, so Shirley walked home from school at noon and prepared a hot meal. It was this early experience that gave Shirley the life skills she'd need to overcome the challenges that awaited her. Self-sacrificing, determined, independent, and with an unfailing love of God - a solid foundation for a life of caregiving.

"Put your shoes on, Lucy," was a song that Shirley often quoted this past year. And that's exactly what "Peasy" and her good friend "Kuchie" did- put on their white shoes and headed to Madison to attend St. Mary's Nursing School. It's where they met friends for life. Pat, Mary Jo, and Dort. Oh, the fun they had throughout the years.

Shirley became an RN in 1956 and went to work for the VA Hospital. She fell in love with nursing and with Chuck Lipke. They were married on Oct. 1. 1960. It wasn't easy for women in the '60s to have careers and raise families, so Shirley took off her white shoes and welcomed five children. To say that Shirley had her hands full on Tokay Boulevard is an understatement. But she took on more - becoming a fierce advocate for her autistic son, Todd. Not much was known about autism, Its cause, or treatment. So, Shirley partnered with researchers and clinicians at the Waisman and Children's Treatment Centers and, together, they fought for the rights of autistic children. When the public schools announced they would be accepting students with disabilities, Shirley marched down to the superintendent's office and said, "see you in September." Todd was the first autistic child enrolled in the Madison Metropolitan School District.

Shirley is survived by her five children, Peter (Theresa), Amy (Wayne), Todd, Michael (Lori), and Timothy (Stephanie); six grandchildren, Jack, Andrew, Sierra (Dillon), Carly, Megan (Luke), and Mitchell; brother-in-law, Robert Miller; and many nieces and nephews. She is further survived by dear friends, Pat Elliott and Elaine McAdams. Your friendship was a gift from God. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chuck; brother, Doc; sisters, Dolores and Mary; niece and nephew, Ann and Thomas; and recently deceased members of the "Sunday Dinner Club", Bill Ehlert and Helen Straw. Your seat at the table will forever be reserved.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 9th from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen St. Madison, WI 53705, with Father Rich Litzau presiding.

The Lipke family would like to thank the nurses and staff at All Saints Memory Care and Agrace Hospice. Especially Jessica, Amy, Lora, Connie, Beth, Chelsea, Susi, and Allison. As well as Betty and Sherry, who helped Shirley stay in her home until August. You are our heroes!

Please consider a donation in Shirley's name to the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin or the Queen of Peace School Endowment Fund.