Shirley Ann (Couturier) Wallace, age 83, passed away surrounded by loved ones the morning of Jan. 27, 2021.
Shirley was born Feb. 3, 1937 in Flint, Mich. to Austin and Louise Couturier. She had three brothers, Dale, Murrile, and Rip, and two sisters, Shelia and Wanda “Lucille.”
Her family moved to Oregon when Shirley was a young girl and lived up the McKenzie River area. During high school she was very social, was a majorette, and played many instruments. In her 20s she was blessed with four children. She raised them in Cottage Grove and eventually settled in Springfield.
She owned and operated an adult foster care home and continued to care for her residents into her 70s. Shirley enjoyed many things. She liked to go to the races and she even drove the racecars now and then. She loved barbeques at the lake, playing horseshoes, and other outdoor games. Music was a huge part of her life. She recorded songs, sang songs, and played many instruments including guitar, drums, piano, but was most known for her harmonica and dancing. Always doing a jig!
She loved bargain shopping, sleepovers with the grandchildren, canning, sewing and long phone calls. But what she loved most of all was spending time with family and friends.
Shirley is preceded in death by her brothers, Dale and Murrile, and sister Wanda “Lucille.” She is survived by two siblings, Rip Couturier (Pat) and Shelia Davey; four children, Ed Wallace (LaVona), Tim Wallace (Lenora), Steve Wallace and Melisa Wallace; many many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; a handful of great-great grandchildren; and even more extended family than can be listed. She loved every one of them. She will be missed dearly. There will be a Celebration of Life later this spring/summer.
