Shirley Haaf

In loving memory of Shirley Jean Haaf (Saviano), age 89, from Kalamazoo, MI passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Shirley was born in Chicago, IL on October 9,1934. She is preceded in death by her husband George Haaf, father Joseph Malacha, mother Elizabeth Niemann, and sister Patricia Study. Shirley is survived by ten children: Elizabeth (John) Saviano, Celeste Saviano, Cynthia Saviano, Patricia Saviano, Andrea Saviano, Susan Saviano, Joseph (Jenny) Saviano Jr, Melissa (George) Snells, Audrey Haaf, and Angela Haaf; 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Shirley served above and beyond her expectations dedicating extra time in volunteering for the Catholic church, Catholic school, and Hospice of Kalamazoo. She also volunteered her time as the head of “The Girl Scouts of America” for the state of Indiana. Shirley was honored as "Mother of the Year" in Vincennces, IN for her outstanding achievements and dedication to her family and community. While raising eight of her own children she pursued a career in nursing and became a registered nurse. She then moved to Kalamazoo, MI where her nursing journey continued. While on her journey she specialized in surgical nursing, open heart surgery, and psychiatric nursing. She finished her career caring for war veterans in the intensive care unit at Veterans Affair Hospital in Battle Creek, MI. 

Shirley was gifted with having many talents, one being exceptional sewing skills she carried throughout her life. Her creative abilities were endless, and there was almost nothing she couldn’t make whether it was hand sewn or using the sewing machine. A hobby Shirley enjoyed and grew to become not only very knowledgeable, but highly skilled in was gardening as she read and flipped through subscription garden magazines. She collected tips and direction on every facet of how to garden and quickly became a "Gardengal", with a magic wand. She discovered it to be her form of meditation and was blessed with a green thumb. Besides loving a connection to nature, Shirley appreciated listening to music.To accompany her music she enrolled in Ballroom dancing and found she could coordinate her dance moves and steps to the sound of the beat, with a bit of Waltz and Cha-Cha on the dance floor. She had a knack for planning and hosting various types of parties for social and family gatherings, and especially took joy in entertaining during the holiday season. Using her clever ideas and artistic flair added a personal touch to complement the party theme and decor, guests were sure to get a glimpse or a taste of something extraordinary. Between her enormous responsibilities, Shirley managed to fit in some leisure time to travel visiting Poland, Germany, Italy, and Ireland to name a few of her adventures.

Shirley, you were our greatest supporter. May you know that we are more than proud of all the work you did, the unique person you are, and the difference you made to everyone around you. Thank you for being so incredible!       

 Memorial Service at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at 11:30 am. 269-731-2428                 

  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes chapter: www.alz.org/mglc and/or The Smile Train: www.smiletrain.org

While visiting Shirley's webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. 

The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society,129 S. Grand St, Schoolcraft, MI.

269-679-5622