Negaunee, MI – Shirley Marie (Mattson) Kero, age 88, of 130 Mattson Road, Negaunee passed away at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee on August 4, 2022.

Shirley was born on March 16, 1934, in Negaunee, Michigan to the late Jalmer and Ellen (Koski) Mattson.  She graduated from Negaunee High School in 1952 and from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science of Education in 1956.  Just two weeks after college graduation, she married Theodore "Ted" M. Kero on June 23, 1956. She taught advanced mathematics at Northern Michigan University, and Houghton High School and did substitute teaching in the Negaunee School system.  She was a mother, a homemaker and a beloved auntie and grandmother – occupations from which she gladly never retired.

Shirley enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting and handicrafts of all kinds. She was famous for her baking, especially her Finnish Pulla. She traveled extensively in North America and Europe with Ted and her family. She loved to visit, swap entertaining stories and host large, thematic celebrations with her family and friends. She treasured her family and, above all, her Faith.

Survivors include her children:  David (Liz) Kero of Negaunee, Julie (Brian) Hintsala of Negaunee, Valerie (Bob) Hintsala of Proctor, MN, Heidi Johnson of Negaunee, Peter (Miriam) Kero of Hibbing, MN; two sisters – Julie Johnson of Marquette and Margie Isaacs of Hibbing, MN; sister-in-law Anna Mattson of Negaunee; and her 13 grandchildren, their spouses and children, along with numerous nieces and nephews and a loving host of Brothers and Sisters in Faith. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Ted Kero on May 24, 2022, sister Mildred (Uuno) Ropponen, brothers – Richard, Donald, Lawrence (Kay) Mattson.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee from 11:00AM until the time of services at 1:00PM on Saturday, August 6 ^th , 2022, with Don Johnson to officiate.  Internment will take place at the Negaunee City Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at the church hall.

Shirley's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.