Shirley Backer

Shirley Ann Backer, 84, of Rockford passed away peacefully Monday, May 10, 2021.  Born September 20, 1936, in Rockford, the daughter of Ellsworth and Marcelle (Oslund) Geiger.  Shirley was raised in Davis Junction, IL.  She attended and graduated from Stillman Valley High School where she was a cheerleader and played baritone and piano in the band.  Shirley was a billing clerk at Consolidated Freightways for about 25 years with exceptional typing skills of 120 words per minute, retiring in 1980.  She was an excellent cook and baker.  She loved entertaining and hosting social gatherings.  Shirley enjoyed her beloved dogs, Muffin and Corky, for many years.  After retiring, Shirley looked excitedly forward to every spring when she migrated to Pearl Lake and stayed in her camper until early fall.  She was a permanent seasonal camper for decades.  She loved working in the beach house every summer.  Shirley was happiest when she was at Pearl Lake, surrounded by many loving and supportive friends.  Survivors include her daughters, Micki (Randy) Bilodeau, Lisa Windett, Darci (Mark) Shook-Woolley, Allison (Dave) Reed, and Deidra (Thomas) Sawyer; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and nieces, Jodi (Geiger) Mincemoyer, Jill (Geiger) Fritz, and Jeani (Geiger) Piliponis.  Predeceased by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Frances (Burd) Geiger; and niece, Julia Geiger.  Her daughters send a special thank you to Mike Witte and Carol Mitok for taking special care of and watching over Shirley.  Their love and support were invaluable.  Throughout her life, Shirley had countless friends and acquaintances. She lived a full and happy life.  Her family expresses deep gratitude to the women working at All Life’s Solutions at Independence Village and Mercy Hospice for their kindness and support during Shirley’s final weeks.

Private family services will be held.  Cremation rites accorded.  Shirley was a great dog lover, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Winnebago County Animal Shelter, 4515 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.