Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Shirley Ruth Peter, age 88, a resident of Calumet, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023.
She was born in the middle of the Great Depression on March 22, 1935. She was born in Laurium, Michigan to Florence and Stuart McLennan.
Shirley graduated from Calumet High School. In search of opportunities, at eighteen years old, she moved to Chicago and established her career with the Chicago Burlington Railroad which lasted over 42 years.
She married John D. Bjur and gave birth to their only son. She was widowed in 1978. She was again married to Jon Peter in 1981 and he passed away in 1989. In 1995, she retired to Calumet and built a home with her loving companion, Marty Schwamberger, to be close to her mother and two of her brothers.
She was known for her striking red hair, beautiful blue eyes, and impeccable style. She loved keeping up with current events, cooking for family holidays and reading mysteries. Above all, Shirley adored her granddaughters and great-grandchildren. She will always be remembered for showering them with love and attention, as well as her infinite generosity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Stuart; three brothers, Donny, Bobby and Jocko; two sisters, Mary Turner and Sarah Ortiz; and three husbands, John, Jon and Marty.
Surviving her are her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Maggie Bjur; grandchildren Amy Gruss (Jason) and Lauren Castronova (Kyle); and great grandchildren Nora and James Gruss; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley’s family would like to express thanks for all the compassionate care she received at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium and to the nurses from Aspirus at Home for all the visits to her home.
A special thank you to Community Action, Kelly, Steve & Ashley. Your compassionate care and professionalism are beyond comparison. We will never forget you.
Shirley will be interred at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Illinois, privately per her wishes.
The Erickson-Crowley-Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet will be assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Little Brothers in Hancock, Michigan.
