Shirley Ann Dawe

It is with our profound, heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Dawe, age 96, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. She passed away peacefully at Holland Home Raybrook where she was a resident for the past five years. 

Shirley graduated from South High in 1948, and worked in a dental office until she met and married Jack Alberts. They both worked in Ann Arbor until he graduated from University of Michigan Dental school, then they moved back to Grand Rapids to raise their family. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom to their five children. 

Midlife brought changes and new beginnings, including a new career with the Grand Rapids Court system, first as a probation officer, and later as a bailiff from which she eventually retired. She also married Newman Dawe, and they shared 48 years together before his passing in 2018.

Shirley was always known as a woman of deep faith, hard work and devotion to God, her family, and community. She was graciously hospitable, offering meals and lodging to family, friends and those who might be in need. She served with grace and beauty, whether it might be to her neighbor, the elderly at church or to those who were down and out. She worked for good in the Heartside community for many years and volunteered at Porter Hills.

Shirley was a talented singer. Just out of high school she sang with the George Lewis big band, she used that talent to fill her home with song, and in her church using her very beautiful voice.  Shirley also had a unique and special love of beauty that she brought to every endeavor. Her love for the arts, decorating and gardening were evident. She was ladylike and feminine to the core and everyone who knew her always commented on that. 

She was preceded in death by her father, John Swan; her mother, Margaret Powell; her sister, Judy VanderKodde; her husband, Newman; and three grandchildren, Swan, Mason, and John.

She was deeply loved and will be missed by her five children: Cynthia Alberts, Karen (Ed) Thauer, Susan (Jed) Groom, John (Jacoba) Alberts, and Judith (Ed) Burnham; as well as her eight remaining grandchildren and their spouses; and 19 great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by Newman's three children, John (Laura) Dawe, Marsha (Michael) Rinker, and Curtis (Beverly) Dawe, and their families, who were a treasured part of her life.

Funeral services will be held 11 am on Tuesday, October 13, at MKD Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood.  Burial will be held at Rest Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 10 - 11 am at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.