Shirley Digirolamo

Shirley Digirolamo, age 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on December 18, 2025, in Novi, Michigan. She was born on September 20, 1935, in Hamtramck, Michigan, to John and Frances Preniczky, who instilled in her the strong values that guided her throughout life. On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1953, Shirley married the love of her life, Enrico Digirolamo. Their marriage of 72 years was a beautiful testament to devotion, faith, and enduring love, and Enrico survives. Shirley was a remarkably strong and independent woman whose perseverance shaped every chapter of her life. Growing up, her family moved often during her grade school years, experiences that helped shape her resilience and adaptability. She graduated from Shrine of the Little Flower Grade School in Royal Oak and was a proud 1952 graduate of Immaculata High School in Detroit. With unwavering determination and a deep sense of purpose, Shirley devoted herself to raising her family. She placed great importance on education and faith, ensuring that each of her children received a Catholic education. Her quiet strength, steady guidance, and unconditional love were the foundation of her home and a source of comfort and inspiration to her family. Faith was central to Shirley’s life. She was an active and dedicated parishioner at St. Gerard Catholic Church in Detroit, where she taught catechism and served faithfully on the Mothers’ Club. She also generously gave her time to the Mothers’ Clubs at both Catholic Central and Mercy High Schools. In her later years, as a longtime Milford resident, she found a spiritual home at St. Mary Catholic Church, where she remained active and deeply connected to her faith community. Besides her beloved husband, Enrico Digirolamo, Shirley leaves to cherish her memory and legacy her children: Enrico (Kathy) Digirolamo, Rita (Brad) Krause, and Mark (Sandee) Digirolamo; her grandchildren: Lynn (Kirk), Joe (Erika), Scott (Bridget), Shara (Jake), and Tony; seven great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Thomasine Preniczky. She was a loving aunt and great-aunt, holding a special place in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved sister and brother, Jeanette Zalewski and John Preniczky, whom she dearly missed. Visitation will be held at O’Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., where a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. where she will lie in state from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Shirley’s life was defined by faith, family, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her. May her memory be a blessing. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Society of the Little Flower, 1313 Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60561, or to the IHM Sisters, 610 West Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162.

Shirley Digirolamo

September 20, 1935 - December 18, 2025