Irish, Shirley

Shirley Ann Irish passed away on Tuesday, April 20 at Sunrise of Gahanna after suffering from Alzheimer Disease for the past few years. Shirley was born in Columbus, Ohio on March 23,1930. Her parents were the late Anthony J. Kraus and Florence (Schwilk) Kraus. She is survived by her husband, Patrick L. Irish. Shirley and Patrick married on May 28, 1949. Shirley was predeceased by her two sisters Marilyn J. Paul and Sister M. Christina (Barbara) Kraus. Shirley is also survived by her five children and their spouses, Michael B. Irish (Cynthia), Lisbeth M. Irish (Michael), Lisa M. Tripp (James), Marc T. Irish (Kim) and Julie T. Irish (Dean); and by her 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Shirley graduated from St. Aloysius Academy in New Lexington, Ohio in 1947. She received a scholarship and attended St Mary’s of the Springs (Dominican College). Shirley also worked at Mt. Carmel Hospital. She and Patrick and their oldest son Michael resided in London, England in 1952-53 where Patrick was stationed with the U.S. Navy. Shirley, Patrick, and the children resided in Upper Arlington, Ohio from 1954 to 1972 before moving to Whitesboro, NY. Shirley and Patrick moved back to Columbus in 1994. They became residents of Marco Island, FL in 1994 and prior to Shirley’s illness they spent their retirement years wintering in Marco Island, FL with many good friends. Shirley enjoyed traveling especially visiting different places with her daughters on their girls’ weekend every October. She even enjoyed getting lost in new and interesting places. Shirley especially enjoyed the “Family Vacations” with Patrick, her children, and grandchildren every two years. Shirley also volunteered at the Social Services Department in Oneida

County, NY. Shirley was a loving and devoted partner, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Family was always a priority. She developed a close network of friends wherever she lived. Many of her friends commented that being around Shirley made them want to be a better person. Shirley was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. She was a woman of strong faith which guided all her actions and endeavors. Everything Shirley did was performed with grace, humility, compassion, and ease. She carried that same spirit with her even when faced with the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease. She was a favorite of her caregivers on the Memory Unit at Sunrise of Gahanna. Thank you, Shirley, Thank you, Mom. A mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Whitehall on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11am. Burial services will be private. Memorial gifts can be made to Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association or an organization of one’s choice.