Shirley Koenig

Shirley Jeanne (Beth) Koenig, 92, of Madison, WI died Tuesday, January 20, 2015.

Shirley was born in Evanston, Illinois on December 5, 1922, the third child of Leo Peter Beth and Louise Lucas Beth. She had a long career as a bookkeeper which she started at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, soon after her graduation from Evanston High School. At 19, she moved with Wyeth to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she lived and worked for the next 17 years.

After her return to Illinois, Shirley married Richard Carl Koenig, Jr., son of Richard, Sr. and Ella Koenig of Evanston, in 1961. Shirley and Richard made their home in Mt. Prospect, IL, where Shirley lived until 2011 when she moved to Madison.

Shirley's life was shaped by her work, from which she retired at 75, care for her immediate and extended family, and her deep involvement with her church, where she was active until she left Illinois. Shirley was a stalwart and long-time member of the Altar Guild. Her long involvement with the Social Ministry Committee lent her great satisfaction. She played central roles in projects to support newly arrived refugee families and to partner with an urban Chicago church.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her sister, Constance Bloxham, and her brother Loren Beth. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Beth Koenig, of Madison, WI; her sister-in-law and friend, Clare Koenig, of Hoffman Estates, IL, and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends will remember her optimism and generosity of spirit as well as her resilience and determination.

Shirley's daughter is deeply grateful to the staff and residents who made a warm community for Shirley at Oak Park Place. In particular, the nurses, therapists, and aides worked with and supported Shirley with thoughtfulness and compassion. She is grateful as well to Agrace Hospice, whose expert and caring staff enabled Shirley to have a peaceful death.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 East Euclid, Mt. Prospect, IL, at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 31, 2015.

Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 East Euclid, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056, or Agrace Hospice, agrace.org, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406