Shirley Baldas, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and dear sister, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, at the age of 81.

Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Ronald Baldas, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage. She was a loving mother to Karen (Kevin) Birt, Jason Baldas, Christopher (Amanda) Baldas, and the late Laura Michelle Baldas. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and she loved each of them with her whole self.

Shirley was a proud and devoted grandmother to Miranda (Nicholaus) Jeffrey, Andrew (Ashley) Birt, Jayden, Brooklyn, Logan, Luke, and Leo. She treasured every moment with her family and took great pride in the people they became.

Generous and caring by nature, Shirley had a way of making those around her feel loved and welcomed. She was proud of her German heritage and cherished the traditions, gatherings, and time spent with family and friends. She was known for living by the simple saying, “Many hands make light work,” a reflection of her willingness to help others and her belief in the importance of working together.

Shirley enjoyed the many simple pleasures life had to offer. She loved reading, cooking and enjoying good food, and shopping—especially discovering treasures at garage sales. She particularly enjoyed boating and spending time on or near the water. Her faith and church community were also important parts of her life, and she remained actively involved in her church.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald; her daughter, Laura Michelle Baldas; and her siblings, Helen Geilow, Phyllis Murphy, Robert Tietjens, Kathleen Showiak, and Evelyn Brooks.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and the many people whose lives she touched with her generosity, warmth, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the family she was so proud of and loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 8, from 2:00–8:00 PM, with a sharing of memories starting at 7:00 PM and Rosary at 7:30 PM, at O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48375.

She will lie in state at 10:30 AM until the time of her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville, MI 48167.

Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Mi