Shirley Corriveau

Shirley Arlene Clary Corriveau was born on August 8, 1935 in Sand Run, Ohio at the home of her grandmother. Her parents, Ronald and Mildred Clary, moved with their young daughter to Hazel Park, Michigan where she grew up. At 10 years old Shirley's favorite (and only!) sibling was born - her dear sister, Linda. Shirley enjoyed all sports, especially Michigan's winter sporting activities, and was proud of being voted 'Most Athletic Girl' at Hazel Park High School.

After graduating from high school, Shirley went to work for General Motors in Detroit. Then, not quite 19 years old, she set off on the first of many adventures, taking the train to Southern California with her friend Audrey. They both took jobs and stayed for six months before Shirley returned to General Motors at their new Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. She bought her dream car ~ a yellow and white '55 Chevy Bel Air.

As a teen Shirley met Arthur Benoit "Ben" Corriveau - who she would later marry - but not before he called on her while on leave from the Air Force and she proclaimed she would "never go out with him again!" In early 1956 Ben returned from his service in the Korean War, and tried again to woo this beautiful young woman with tickets to see Guys and Dolls at the fancy theater in downtown Detroit. This time Ben was successful. They were engaged on her birthday in August and married March 2, 1957 ~ exactly one year from that movie date.

Shirley and Ben soon started married life in a 37'x8' Airstream trailer where they welcomed their daughter, Christal. Shirley worked while Ben went to Electronics School, then with several job offers in hand, Ben let Shirley pick where they would go. She chose the offer from North American Aviation and the family immediately departed for a new life in Southern California. After a year in Long Beach to see if the job worked out, and if they liked living in on the west coast, they bought their first home in Stanton where they greeted their son, Ronald. Four years later Shirley and Ben bought a model home in Fountain Valley. Shirley was a member of the Fountain Valley Women's Club, Newcomer's Club, and Happy Homemakers, as well as an accomplished league bowler and tennis player.

After 32 years in California, Ben retired and their search for an active adult community took them to The Villages in Florida where they built a home on a golf course and bought a motor home. Whether by land or sea, Shirley loved globetrotting. Her favorite adventure was embarking on a 3-month RV trip that took them up to the wilderness of Alaska, through Canada and back to Florida. While at home in The Villages, Shirley and Ben lived the active, social lifestyle they'd dreamed of surrounded by wonderful friends and her sister-and-brother-in-law. She still enjoyed sports - golfing and tennis, and playing on the ladies' senior games basketball team (despite being just 5'2"). She was also a voracious reader, film buff, and could often be found working a puzzle book or reading the newspaper cover to cover.

Shirley lost her beloved Ben in 2015 after 57 years of marriage. She continued to enjoy life in The Villages, entertaining visitors, traveling to visit family - and even Cuba - before coming in 2020 to live with her daughter in Texas. There she enjoyed being near to her two children, five grandchildren and most of her ten great-grandchildren. She was always interested in their lives and asked her standard question, "What's the juice?!"

Shirley quietly slipped away from this earthly life on April 20, 2024 and woke in the arms of Jesus.

Shirley was known for her big smile and cheerful attitude. She was kind, easygoing, witty, quick to laugh and spunky. Because Shirley went about all aspects of life in an unhurried manner, she embraced her nickname: "Slowly but Shirley"! No matter if you asked, "How are you?" or said, "See you in the morning", Shirley's response would generally be followed by: "God willing and the creek don't rise!"

Shirley is survived by her Daughter, Christal Elaine Frerking and son-in-law James (Jim); Son, Ronald Arthur Corriveau and daughter-in-law Denise; Grandchildren: Derek Johnson, Christopher Frerking, Devon Frerking and his wife Ashley, Melina Corriveau, and Aurelia Corriveau; Grandson-in-Spirit: Steven Weaver; Great-grandchildren: Scott, Daniel and Jacob Johnson; Jayden, Nolan, Skylar and Mila Frerking; Duncan, Desmond and Dekker Frerking; Great-grandchildren-in-Spirit: Madison, Kaitlyn and Ethan Wetherbee; Sister Linda Moore; as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Shirley's Memorial Service will be on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11am at Water of Life Lutheran Church in Forney, Texas. Visitation will be the preceding evening, May 2, 2024, from 6pm-8pm at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, Texas.

Shirley was colorful in life and clothing ~ if you attend, we welcome you to celebrate her the same way!