Shirley Kaanta

KAANTA - Shirley Ann Kaanta, age 80, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2018 following a courageous battle with dementia. An Irish and Polish descendant, she was born the youngest of ten children on March 1, 1938 in Grand Rapids to the late Irene Corrigan and John Czerwinski. Shirley is survived by her brother, Bill. A true Catholic, she attended St Alphonsus and graduated from Catholic Central. One of her childhood accomplishments was that she loved to swim and was a "champion" swimmer at Highland Park, self-proclaimed, of course. In August of 58, she met the love of her life, husband Richard of 60 years at Buth Dairy on Leonard which soon led to a reception on May 10 at St Hedwig's Hall. At her beautiful home on Post Drive, she raised three wonderful children, Tom (Deb), Tammy (Don), and Todd (Theresa). She held a special place for her grandchildren, Kendra, Marisa, Jarrod, Nate, and Lexi; great grandchildren, Eleanor and Elijah. Shirley's hobbies included knitting and ice skating, but what she cherished the most was family, friendship, and participating in the wonderful community of Belmont. One of the most magical moments with Shirley was at Christmas. Shirley would adorn her home with decorations and the VHS would be playing "Christmas Vacation". Her home filled with family and with volumes of laughter. Her witty charm, her ball of energy, and her smile which displayed her warm friendly heart will be sorely missed. Special thanks go to her caregivers, all those who helped, Kindred Hospice, Nurse Kim, her forever husband Richard. Shirley is gone but will never be forgotten. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, October 15, 2018 at The Family Life Center in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 6390 Belmont Ave. NE, Belmont. Shirley's family will greet relatives and friends 5:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont and one hour prior to mass at the church. Prayers of the rosary will be recited 7:30 PM Sunday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kindred Hospice Services. To share a memory, photo, and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley Ann Kaanta please visit our Sympathy Store.