Shirley A. Pechous, 86, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, in her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Escanaba, MI, on December 15, 1931. She was the daughter of Clayton and Marian (Smith) LaLonde. Shirley earned her Nursing Degree from Englewood Hospital and then started her career at St. Francis in Escanaba. After moving to Chicago, she started working at Englewood Hospital and later Cook County Hospital, it was here that she met her future husband. On October 31, 1959 in Chicago, Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life Dr. Charles E. Pechous Jr. Shirley’s love of gardening came from her mother-in-law, Lillian Pechous. She loved the annual start of Summer with planting a variety of white flowers. With the outdoor decorated, Shirley turned to her kitchen and her passion for entertaining with family and friends. Shirley enjoyed hosting parties whether it was First Communion, Kentucky Derby, the Annual Canadian Fish Fry, the Fourth of July Picnic or attending Allendale Block parties. Her love of cooking for her family and friends helped nourish those who sat at her table with love and spirituality. Shirley was an active member of St. Mark’s Church where she started the Adoration of Mary and assisted with Mass preparation. Ever dedicated to the Catholic faith, she and her husband made numerous pilgrimages with family and friends to Medjugorje. Surviving are her six children, Charles (Kim) Pechous III, Anne Holdsworth, Jim Pechous, Mary (Tim) Stell, Tom (Jen) Pechous and Liz Pechous; 15 grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Wood; and two brothers, James (Alberta) LaLonde and Thomas James (Nancy) LaLonde. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by a sister, Joanitta (Walter) Rogers and her most loved expensive pet, Lorritto. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 21st, at Proko Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. On Monday, January 22nd, friends and family are asked to meet at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 7117-14th Avenue, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Kenosha Achievement Center, St. Mark’s Catholic Church or the Shalom Center would be appreciated.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Shirley’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Maggie Regner Hodge
January 19, 2018
Mrs. Pechous, I was blessed to have been cared by you growing up. Like a second mom we were always welcomed into your home for dinner, sleep overs, Bear games, trips to visit the older kids in Indiana, fish frys, trips to Panama City and Eagle River. My heart over flows from all the beautiful memories we had. I am grateful to Lizzie. Tommie, Mary, Jim, Annie and Charlie for sharing you and Doc with us. Of course your friendship with my mom, Janet, Marilyn, Hillary, Roberta, Carol and Marion always warmed my heart. The original YaYa Sisterhood was created and it is a circle of friendship I want to model. Thank you for always smiling, laughing, sharing your love of our Blessed Mother, chanting Bear Down songs and singing John Denver, the best coleslaw recipe ever, gentle advice, and an endearing spirit. Much love and thanks, Maggie
Mark Stell
January 18, 2018
Dear Pechous family, I have such great memories of hanging out with all of you at the house on 3rd avenue. Your mom was baking in the kitchen and the parrot was yelling Mary as loud as Shirley yelling at jimmy to do something. Fish frys and the derby where such an amazing event because she made it happen. I used to come over and would sometimes hang out with here even when you guys were gone. She was a tough bird and will be missed. Love you guys , Mark
Pam Drummond
January 18, 2018
Liz,My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you and your family.