Shirley M. Kerrigan, 88, of Sidney passed away from her family’s loving embrace to join the faithfully departed on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at The Landings of Sidney. Shirley was born June 29, 1930 in Covington, Ky. to the late Albert and Cleora (Caulmeyer) Pulliam.
She graduated from Notre Dame Girls Academy in northern Kentucky, where she was named Miss Holiday (homecoming queen). Over the fourth of July weekend 1949, at The Pavilion at Indian Lake, Ohio, she met the love of her life Thomas Kerrigan Sr. then a student at the University of Notre Dame. The couple married February 3, 1951 shortly before Thomas entered the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
Shirley and Thomas lived in Cincinnati with three young children while Thomas attended Salmon P. Chase law school. After graduation in 1959, Shirley and Thomas and family returned to Thomas’ hometown of Sidney. Thomas Sr. preceded Shirley in death November 13, 2009.
Continuing to celebrate her life are her children Linda (Russ) Klopfenstein, Thomas (Pam) Kerrigan II, Michael (Teri) Kerrigan. A son, Steven (Monique) Kerrigan preceded her in death March 14, 2011. As a devout parishioner of Holy Angels Catholic Church, she was so proud all four of her children attended Holy Angels schools and Lehman Catholic High School.
She is survived by her grandchildren Kyle (Lauren) Klopfenstein, Lauren Kerrigan, Dr. Katie (Dr. Robert)Kerrigan Willer, Thomas Kerrigan III aka Trey, Aaron (Maggie) Kerrigan, Lucy (Andy) Pelhan, Ryan Kerrigan and Brady Kerrigan. A granddaughter Sophie preceded her in death. Shirley has two great grandchildren, Olive Klopfenstein and Sawyer Kerrigan.
Shirley is also survived by brother-in-law Dr. Terry (Jan) Kerrigan. A brother-in-law Dr. John Kerrigan and sister-in-law Bette Kerrigan preceded her in death. Shirley remained close to her cousins Marlene Huff, Eloise King, Patty Holtz, Don Bramlage, Ken Bramlage, David Bramlage, Bernie and Ed Herringhaus, amongst others.
Shirley’s care givers Marguerite McGlinch and Lisa Kerrigan provided great care, comfort and support. Shirley served as a volunteer for the Wilson Hospital Women’s Auxillary for many years. She was an avid fan and listener to the Kerrigan and Christopher morning show on WTUE radio during the 1985 to the early 2000’s and the Nancy and Kerrigan morning show on K99 long after her son Steve passed away.
Like her husband Thomas Sr. she was a fan of Notre Dame football for nearly 70 years, and a season ticket holder of The Dayton Flyers basketball team for 50 years. She and Thomas Sr. followed the Flyers to the Maui, Hawaii NCAA tournament twice watching live as the Flyers captured the championship in 2003. She has served as a true inspiration to all she has met.
Shirley was a wonderful wife and mother who truly loved all of her family and friends with all her heart and soul. Good friend and neighbor Mark Adams of The Adams Funeral Home has been entrusted with all funeral arrangements. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 and 9 – 9:50 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Adams Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019 with Fr. Peter Langenkamp officiating. Internment will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Sidney.
Memorials may be made to Puppy Pals Rescue, LLC as Shirley has adopted many rescue (Pomeranian) puppies during her long life. On line memories may be made at www.
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