Shirley K. Jurgensen, 73, a lifelong resident of Dowagiac, died in her home Jan. 8, 2010.
She attended Cass County Normal School, was a 1954 graduate of Niles and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1964. Her teaching career began at North Wayne Country School. She taught at Pokagon School before teaching at and retiring from Brandywine School District in 1988. Those retirement years allowed time to travel, attend Notre Dame Women’s home basketball games, do some shelling and fishing with Florida friends and have time for her extended family. Her love of horses led her to Merrywell Farms and years of showing Hackney ponies throughout the Midwest. In 2003 she received a distinguished service award from the Mid-West Hackney Association in Springfield, Ill.
“Aunt Shirley” will be missed by her nieces and nephews. She was supportive and interested in their activities. Other survivors include: a sister, Janet (John) Smiedendorf, of St. Joseph; a brother, William (Elaine) Carter, of Niles; aunts and cousins, as well as an extended family of horse and school colleagues, classmates who stayed in touch over the years, neighbors and most anyone she met.

On Saturday, May 8, friends and family are invited to Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac at 10 a.m. for a graveside service. The Rev. Edward H. Slate of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles and the Rev. J. Todd Smiedendorf, of Boulder, Colo. will officiate. A fellowship time will follow at the Dowagiac Elks. Memorials can be made to Fitch Camp in Dowagiac or the donor’s choice. Yazel & Clark Chapel is serving the family. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Shirley at www.yazel-clark.com.