Shirley Violet Oliverio

OLIVERIO, Shirley V. May 9, 2026, age 90. Beloved wife of the late Salvatore “Sam” Oliverio (2019). Loving and devoted mother of Rose Childers, Mark (Debra) Oliverio, Nick (Elena) Oliverio, and Sandy Oliverio. Proud grandmother of Jeff (Becki), James, Chris (Shauna), Greg (Alison), Rachel (Danny), Nicholas, and Michael (Nicole) and great-grandmother of Jordan, Briella, Mason, Margo, Jolie, Beau, Garrett, Meri, Georgia, Pearl, Gibson, Matix, Mave, Brayden, Peyton, and Aria. Shirley lived a God-centered life, leading by example, God's teachings. She enjoyed reading Christian books and watching Christian TV shows. Her love story began during the Korean War, when Sam was stationed in France. At the request of his sister, Shirley began writing letters to him. Those letters turned into a deep connection, and when Sam returned home, they met, and after frequently going dancing at "the club" with friends and family, they fell in love and married Shirley and Sam shared many of life’s simple pleasures together. When she dressed up for an evening out, she was never without her pearls. Family was the center of Shirley’s world. She cherished memories of her childhood summers at her grandmother’s cottage in Canada, often recalling playing in the front yard and swimming in the lake at the end of the road. Later in life, those same Canadian trips became treasured times spent with extended family, creating stories that will be remembered for generations. Shirley and Sam raised their family on Grixdale in Detroit, where their home was filled with love, laughter, and many memorable family gatherings. Every Sunday, Shirley made Spaghetti and Meatballs. After moving to Sterling Heights, and as her children began having children of their own, Sunday spaghetti dinners became a cherished tradition and were especially important to her. She loved bringing everyone together around the table, playing cards with her children and grandchildren as they grew older, and making sure no one ever left hungry. She enjoyed playing Michigan Rummy with her sisters as well. Throughout the years she enjoyed bowling. She also enjoyed doing crafts and jigsaw puzzles. A wonderful cook and baker, Shirley learned to cook Italian dishes in honor of Sam’s heritage, and she delighted in sharing those meals with family. She also made Pierogi, Dumplings, Potato Pancakes and other Polish dishes to honor her own heritage. True to her joyful spirit, she never turned down dessert or ice cream. Shirley’s faith, warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family leave a legacy of love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 13, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Funeral Home, Shelby Township, 54880 Van Dyke Avenue (at 25 Mile Road). Share memories with the family at the online guest book at WujekCalcaterra.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated.

Shirley Violet Oliverio

July 21, 1935 - May 9, 2026