Meryl Lorelei Sheeley, 85, of Niles passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 at Our Lady Of Peace Hospital in Mishawaka after a brief illness.

She was born March 31, 1924 in Weesaw Township, Mich. to Delbert Delos Pierce and Emma (Wolkins) Pierce.

Lorelei grew up in Galien and graduated from Galien High School. It was in school that she met Zane Sheeley, who would be the love of her life. They married Aug. 29, 1942. They were married for 64 years before his passing March 23, 2008.

Lorelei’s first job was in the Galien Drug Store. She then moved on to work at Clark Equipment in Buchanan in the cost accounting department. Her career there lasted more than 30 years.

The Clark Women’s Golf League was a great enjoyment to her during her career. She and Zane enjoyed many years together traveling, metal detecting, panning for gold and flea marketing. She enjoyed collecting bells, dolls and depression glassware.

She and Zane retired to Homosassa, Fla. and had many wonderful friends and family there. She had many nieces and nephews who have great memories of Aunt Lorelei. Our Mom spent many hours crocheting afghans and doilies, but most of all loved being around her family. We will miss her always.

Survivors include two daughters, Darlene (Jack) Wright of Niles and Carol Goodrich (Lonnie Rhino) of Decatur, Mich.; five grandchildren, Tracy (Jeffrey) Freeze of Burns Harbor, Ind., Rodney (Brenda) Wright of Wichita, Kan., Kim (Rudy) Regalado of Paw Paw, Mich., Clifford (Teresa) Goodrich of Niles and Kristen (Jeff) Brink of Columbia , S.C.; and 13 great-grandchildren. One great-grandchild is due in March and one great-great-grandchild is due in September.

She is preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Jean, who died at birth; three brothers, Lawrence (Margaret) Pierce, Delbert “Doug” (Dorothy) Pierce and Encell A. Pierce; and a sister, Mildred (Jack) Weaver.

Memorial services will be held Feb. 27, 2010 at 11a.m. at Swem Chapel in Buchanan. Internment will take place immediately afterward at Galien Cemetery for both Lorelei and Zane. Military rites will be given to Zane by the American Legion Post 51, Buchanan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Galien Woods Historical Society, P.O. Box 162, Galien, MI 49113 or the Galien Township Public Library, 302 North Cleveland Ave., Galien, MI 49113.

Friends may leave a message on the online memory book by visiting www.swemfuneralhome.com.