Shirley Mae Hill, 89, passed away surrounded by her family on October 22, 2023. She was born on May 13, 1934 to the late Peter and Grace (Skenandore) Kurowski. She was married to Fritz Hill on February 15, 1969.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, seeing her grandbabies was what she lived for, listening to music, gardening in the summertime, as of late-having Sunday fundays which included eating at Travel Center then playing slots with Reese, a good steak, and then sharing one with Brucie. Mom was a very strong, faith based woman who believed in miracles and was a product of many throughout her lifetime. She was extremely hard working with a work ethic like that of Grandma and Grandpa Kurowksi's work horses. She was very thankful in her life and always made the best of things. She would help anyone and everyone who would ask.

In her early years, she was employed as a community Health Responder. After her husband became disabled with a massive heartache, she ventured out to become her own boss and founded the United Amerindian Center off Broadway in the 1970s. This was something she was extremely proud of. She managed it with friends she hired whose mission was to help Native Americans in need. She established the first homeless shelter in Green Bay in the late 1980s.

She was persuaded by many to run for the Onieda Business Committee in 1987. She did and was elected and sat on the Council along with her sister Loretta. She served 4 terms. She was then elected to the Gaming Commission in 2000 where she got re-elected to serve for 15 years. Because she always worked and always will, her last position held with the Tribe was Custodial, where she worked for 3 years, until 2018. She would still be working if she could because retirement seemed to be out of the question for her, but she got hurt and that forced her to finally slow down and take it easy.

She always said she wouldn't be who she was without those who meant the most to her; her mom and dad, Fritzie, her in-laws, those special friends she encountered like Father Dean, Sister Theresea, work colleagues, bingo buddies Julie Barton and Donna Richmond, and all others who made an impact in her life. She wanted to be sure they were acknowledged at her farewell party.

Shirley is survived by her children, Elaine (Wayne) Parker, Bruce Parker, Connie (Tommy) Parker, Janice (Marvin) Jourdan, Randy (Geraldine) Parker, Liane (Frank) Melchert, Todd "Moon" Michele Hill, Reese (Lori) Hill, and Racquel "Rocky" Hill. Shirley is also survived by her siblings, Patricia (Merlin) Cornelius, Jerry (Jeanne) Kurowski, and Linda (Glen) Mercier. She has 2 grandsons Gavin & Dwight (Shelly) who are more like her sons, a special nephew Ski & also many nieces & nephews.

She further survived by her 34 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-great grandchildren for a total of 134 grandchildren!

She is preceded in death by her husband Fritzie, her sons Rory and Daniel, her brother Kenny, sister Loretta, and grandsons, Marco and Lonnie, granddaughters Randi and Tahnee, and great-grandbabies Kordell and Alec God Lee.

Family and friends may come to call on Friday, October 27 at Ryan Funeral Home 305 N Tenth Street, De Pere from 9:00AM – 11:30 AM. The Oneida Hymn Singers will begin their song service at 11:30. A prayer service will begin at 12:00 PM.

Shirley said that she doesn't want anyone crying at the services. She wants everyone to be happy and remember her in the best way possible. Remember her while she was alive and vibrant because that's what she is again, in her new eternal life. God has blessed her. She was a blessing to so many others. Let her legacy of caring for others and showing compassion and live continue with all who know and love her.

A special thank you to Unity Hospice for their care and support and to her niece Terry Doxtator for being there.