Shirley Hileski

Shirley Hileski was a woman filled with incredible love and kindness. Known for her ability to make everyone feel welcome in her home, she was loved by all who knew her, especially children. Though she always claimed to love of all her children and grandchildren equally, each of them couldn't help but feel extra special when they were in her presence.

1931 was a year of hardship in the United States, as unemployment rose, so did The Empire State Building; completed that year, the marvel of modern architecture became the tallest building in the nation. President Hoover tried to lead the country out of the Depression, but hopes were low among Americans. However, for Arnold & Anna (DeWispelaere) Pearson of Plainwell, there was reason for happiness as their only daughter was born at the William Crispe Hospital on March 9th of that same year.

Born into a family of five boys, Shirley enjoyed growing up in Plainwell, Michigan and she remained close to her brothers her entire life. Being the only girl in the family meant that occasionally she would be treated to ice cream or a new dress. However, living in a large family did not come without responsibility, and although she attended high school at a boarding school in Grand Rapids, Shirley would still come home on weekends to help with housework and see her family. Finally during the eleventh grade, Shirley made the choice to leave school so that she could care for her father and brother when they had fallen ill. Her family was her number one priority from an early age.

Even though Shirley loved her brothers dearly, and was thankful for their protective nature, it certainly made it difficult for a young girl to get a date with five brothers looming about. In fact, the area boys were so intimidated by the Pearson Boys that no one dared to ask her out! Finally, prompted by the dare of a friend, Shirley decided to take matters in her own hands. She noticed that William Hileski, a friend of the boys, started to drive by her house over and over again, and she decided to ask him out. Of course, William said yes and the lovebirds were married on June 9, 1951 in St. Margaret's Church in Otsego, Michigan. Their reception followed at the Red Brick in Plainwell, and for years they cherished the photos taken of them by the big tree in front of the restaurant.

Before Shirley was married, she worked for a while at the local Pharmacy & Soda Shop and at the paper mill; however, after she had children, Shirley decided that the only job for her was as a mother--something she cherished and excelled at. A fun mother, she was always doing things with her kids on the weekend when Bill was home from work. Shirley was dedicated to education and she wanted to make sure that her children were involved in school and graduated. When the kids were in school she would even baby-sit for the babies of friends who had children while in school to make sure that they too would be able to enjoy high school and eventually graduate. Shirley never missed one of her children's sporting events, and because she considered herself to be their number one fan, she always managed to cheer extra loudly for the home team. Many mothers set curfews for their children, and Shirley was no exception. The kids knew that they could never sneak in because mom always kept a caring yet enforcing watch.

She was so kind and loving that her children's friends always considered her to be their mother too; eventually some of the friends married into the family and were able to actually become one of her kids! Hileski family beach trips often included neighborhood kids and there were always extra children at the house. She would treat them as her own in terms of feeding, loving, and disciplining. Although it meant extra work, she always welcomed these visitors, and made sure that there was enough food on the table for anyone who might stop by. All the neighborhood children had their own special and loving name for Shirley like "Ma Hileski" and "Mom H." Her son-in-law's nickname was unique in the fact that he called her "The Colonel" because she was always able to keep all her kids in line. In fact, she even carried a whistle to the beach like a true Colonel. Every so often she would blow her whistle and the kids would stand up so that she could count them and make sure they were all safe.

Besides her smiling face, another thing that made Shirley recognizable in the neighborhood was her voice. When one of the children was in trouble or it was dinnertime, her call could be heard down the street. However, it is likely that she never had to call twice for dinner; Shirley was a wonderful cook and her children loved dinner at home. A great baker, Shirley would always make enough rum cake at Christmastime to feed the entire neighborhood. Her peanut butter balls were exceptional, and when the boys were grown she always made them cookies and saved a bag full for them to pick up when they stopped by. Her grandchildren were always certain they would have snacks when they visited their Go Go Grandma, as they affectionately called her. Her cookies and brownies will be missed at the golf outting she baked for each year, but more so her presence will be missed.

Shirley was not just an excellent cook; she was also a wise woman who could really stretch a penny during times of need. She and Bill balanced each other's temperaments well, and together they taught the children many very valuable lessons, mostly that, "It is better to give than to receive." As a devout Christian and lifelong member of St.Margaret’s Church, she often reminded her kids that "God never gives you more than you can handle." Although Shirley made every day special, holidays were of extra importance to her. She loved having everyone come together, not just on the big holidays but also on all the holidays in between. Even when her health became very poor this month, she still gathered with all of her son's for Father's Day, just to make sure that they were all taken care of.

When she was not with her family, she also enjoyed gathering with her friends. Together they would play poker once a month, and she loved playing bingo and visiting the casinos with them. She was always so happy when she hit the big jackpot on the slots, and though gambling never made her rich with money; she was always rich with love.

After a living a full life, Shirley passed away on June 28, 2004. Learn more about Shirley, view her Life Story Film, and visit with her family on Wednesday, June 30, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM, with a Scripture Service & Rosary at 6:00 PM, all at the Life Story Funeral Homes- Rupert, Durham, Marshall, & Gren, Plainwell Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 AM at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, with burial following in St. Margaret’s Cemetery and luncheon at St. Margaret’s School. Members of Shirley’s family include her husband William of Plainwell; children: Theresa & Richard Brooks, Mary & Dan Crouch, Jim Hileski, and Arnold Hileski all of Plainwell, Ann & Lyle Webster, Bill & Debi Hileski, and Jackie & Rob Johnson all of Otsego, Joe Hileski of Grand Rapids, and Sheila & Richard Weyrick of Hastings; brothers: George & Hazel Pearson of Plainwell and Joseph & Betty Pearson of Kalamazoo and sister-in-law Clara Pearson; 23 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers: Arnold, James, & John “Jack” Pearson, and grandson Bryon Brooks. Please visit Shirley’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the St. Margaret School or the family.

Shirley was a woman who was larger than life. She understood the true joy of giving, and made her family her life’s work and in return spent her life surrounded by love.