Shirley J. Cornford

PORTAGE  --   Shirley J. Cornford, nee Pulver, age 88, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital.

Shirley was born on January 7, 1927 in the Township of Wyocena, Wisconsin, the daughter of Dewey and Pearl (Waters) Pulver.  Shirley lived a long and happy life.  She was resilient.  Even four bouts with cancer didn’t subdue her.  One of her grandsons dubbed her the “Energizer bunny”.

Back in the day, she enjoyed bowling and later in life playing cards with fellow seniors.  Shirley loved board games and game shows.  She was a coffee enthusiast, strong or weak, flavored or black, and with a spoonful of socializing, it tasted even better yet.

Kids could always put a smile on her face.  She is leaving behind 10 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 5 great grandsons, and 3 great granddaughters.  Grandma Shirl has left a great impression on all of their lives.

Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Joy Cornford, Pardeeville, and Jan (John) Simonson, Portage;  her brother, Vernon “Bones” Pulver, Rio;  other near relatives and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her two beloved daughters, Kay Belak-Berger and Ann Achterberg, her brothers, Robert, Delbert “Deb”, and Alvin, and her sister, Jean Ritter.

Without a mean bone in her body, her wit and character will be missed by everyone who knew her.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.  Inurnment will be private.