Shirley A. Tanguay

1935 ~ 2024

EMPIRE – Shirley Ann Tanguay, 89, of Empire, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the Munson Hospice House with her loving family at her side. Shirley was born March 29, 1935 in Lake Leelanau to Ralph and Suzanne (Taghon) Plamondon, the oldest of their eight children.

Shirley attended St. Mary’s school in Lake Leelanau and was the valedictorian of the class of 1952. She was a member of the National Cherry Festival’s Queen’s Court on two occasions. Upon graduation from high school, Shirley moved to Detroit and attended Mercy College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. Shirley spent 44 years working as a medical technologist in the metro Detroit area and thoroughly enjoyed her career and caring for her patients.

In the 1970s and ‘80s Shirley was an active member of the Ferndale Stamp Club, holding several offices including serving as president. After retirement in 2000 she moved back home to Leelanau County, caring for her Aunt Sara Jasin and her mother in their later years. Shirley became a resident of Empire and served as volunteer coordinator for the Empire Area Museum. During retirement she learned to play mah jong, traveled to Europe several times and became an avid backyard birder.

Shirley is survived by her two daughters; Stephanie Tanguay and Suzanne Tanguay, four siblings; Suzanne Larson, Sara Smith, Ron (Christina) Plamondon, and Steve (Bonnie) Plamondon, a brother-in-law; Tom Redlon, a sister-in-law; Suzanne Plamondon, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings; Fred Plamondon, Sandra Redlon, and Richard Plamondon. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10 at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s School, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 W. Front Street, Empire, MI 49630.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.