Obituary of Shirley Muno

Shirley Muno, lovingly known as "Shirl the Pearl," passed away on December 22, 2024, leaving behind a luminous legacy of love and compassion. Like her nickname suggested, she possessed the rare ability to transform life's challenges into moments of light, layering adversity with luminescence until it became something precious—much like the formation of a pearl. This essence was made visible in the distinctive twinkle in her eyes, a light that reflected her inner peace and mirrored the beauty she was seeing in the world. Her generative warmth and loving legacy continue to illuminate the lives she touched.

Shirley Muno was born into this world on September 15, 1935 - a beloved daughter of two immigrants, William Mueller, of Egeln, Germany and Antoinette Asta of San Fili, Italy, and cherished sister of Helen and Francis. Shirley's early life in Chicago was characterized by close familial bonds and warmth. Her childhood, spent in the embrace of her family, laid the foundation for a life defined by loving-kindness. She grew up appreciating the little joys in life, such as singing with her grandmother or listening to the radio while perched on her mother’s lap, nurturing the essence of connection and care that would later define her personality and career choice.

Shirley’s three great loves were being a wife, mother, and nurse! Her nursing career spanned 40years with most being worked on the night shift at Condell Hospital in Libertyville, IL.

Shirley’s life blossomed further after meeting Ronald Francis Muno on a blind date in 1955, which became a lifelong partnership of profound emotional connection. Married in 1958, they built a nurturing home in Libertyville, Illinois, raising six children—Kimberly (Kim), Mark, Janice, Aileen, Ann, and Laura—with love, resilience, and faith, even in the face of tragedy with the loss of their daughter Kimberly in 1976. Their home radiated warmth and simplicity, fostering unbreakable family bonds. Later in life, Shirley and Ron enjoyed a rich retirement together, surrounded by natural beauty, their children, and ten grandchildren. After Ron’s passing in 2015, Shirley remained devoted to his memory, cherishing their shared love as the foundation of her strength.

In her later years, even while battling cancer, Shirley's grace, humor, and unwavering faith inspired those around her. She approached life with gratitude, finding beauty in everyday moments and embodying compassion and humility. Her final months were spent surrounded by family and loved ones, their love mirroring the light she brought into their lives. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched with her radiant spirit.

Shirley is survived by her 5 loving children, grandchildren Paul, Kimberly, Sophia, Isabella, Kristan, Elena, Carolena, Betelhem, Adanech and Fasil, and great-grandchildren Yostina, Amiziah and Cayden and her loving sister Helen!

A Catholic Mass will be held on April 26, 2025, 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Libertyville, IL; Father Matt Foley will be presiding. A graveside ceremony at Ascension Cemetery will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Kim Muno Scholarship Fund ℅ Steve Lichter 745 Hawthorn Row, Unit 4208 Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Funeral Arrangements by McMurrough Funeral Chapel (847) 362-2626