Shirley Fowler

Shirley Lee Fowler, age 83, passed away peacefully at her Gurnee home on March 12, 2024. 

Shirley, daughter of the late Harry Leber and wife Gladys (nee Dickerson) was born June 29, 1940, in Washington, MO. She received her education from St. Francis Borgia High School in Washington, MO and attended Maryville College, St. Louis, MO, on full scholarship, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Education. 
 
Among her survivors are her husband, Floyd F. Fowler; her children: Lucinda Caughey, Theresa Rudacille (Lee), Kirsten Arndt-Hutson (Lance), and Todd Arndt (Gina); and a brother, Harold Leber. Shirley was the beloved grandmother of thirteen grandchildren (Don, Bernadette, Christian, Lance, Grayson, Antoinette, Elizabeth, Isabella, John, Katherine, Natalie, Mitchell, and Wolfgang) and two great-grandchildren (Earnest and Francesca). She dearly loved her numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Stanley Leber; sister, Joyce Nickleson; son, Donald M. Arndt III; and former husband, Donald M. Arndt, Jr.
 
 Shirley will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a loving and engaging mother and grandmother, joining in important milestones, family vacations, sporting events, graduations, and a myriad of activities in far off destinations. There was never a better “baby whisperer” than Grandma Shirley.

Shirley loved her 40+ year career as a teacher at area parochial schools including Santa Maria in Mundelein, St. Joseph’s in Libertyville, and the Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago. Even after retirement, she still volunteered with the Science Olympiad Team, Space Camp trips, and reading programs. She was devoted to her students and the teaching profession.

She was also very involved with her church, Meadowridge Baptist Church, where she participated in Women’s Bible Study and served as treasurer. Her active church community was a source of joy in her life.

She enjoyed an active retirement in the Heather Ridge community, especially golfing with her girl friends, playing Mahjong, and bowling on local teams.

Please join us celebrating her life Friday, March 22, 2024, at Warren Funeral Home 1475 N. Cemetery Rd. Gurnee, Il 60031. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00am.