Shirley Marie Sydow, 79, of Michigan City, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, at 4:58 a.m., Tuesday, November 30, 2021 in her home.
She was born May 15, 1942 to Charles Becht and Nellie Mildred (Smith) Thorndyke.
Shirley was employed as a Paraprofessional for Michigan City Schools Special Education Department. She enjoyed her work as a job coach for special needs children. Shirley was a member of Lakeview Christian Center in Michigan City. She loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and vacationing in Florida. Shirley always had a way of making people laugh with her unique sayings, such as “warsh your clothes” “and that there.”
On August 5, 1961 in La Porte, she married Eugene Chester Sydow, who preceded her in death on April 19, 2015.
Also preceding in death were her parents; son, Tim Sydow; and grandparents, William and Fannie Smith.
Surviving are her three children: Karen (Kenneth) Woodruff, Juli (John) Chappell, and Michael Sydow all of Michigan City; brother, William (Nancy) Thorndyke of Monroe City, MO; nine grandchildren, Nicole (Brett) Parry, Kim (Brant) Schmid, Gabby Chappell, Zak Chappell, Samantha Chappell, Kelsi Sydow, Kaylee (Seth) Brinsfield, Kimberlyn Jankowski, and Kylee Jankowski; eight great-grandchildren with one on the way: Maddy, Mason, Lyla, Lilly, Bridgette, Olivia, Paisley, Landen and Lornalyn on the way; and close friend, Sue Arvay.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Lakeview Christian Center, 1704 County Line Rd., Michigan City with Pastor Lorne Hodum officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, (219) 362-3100, is caring for the arrangements.
Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, which will be gifted to the special education program at Michigan City High School.
