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Wednesday, January 3, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Madison - Shirley Claire (Capitani) Stathas was born on April 10, 1934, in Lake Forest, IL and passed over the Christmas holiday at her home in Madison, WI. She grew up in Highwood, IL and was the pride and joy of her parents Nora (Muzzarelli) and Dominic Capitani. She attended Highland Park High School and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin. Shirley was the first person in her family to go to college. She worked for many years as a Speech Therapist, and after her children were in school, she embarked on a new career as an Archeology Coordinator for the WI Department of Transportation. Her interests and aptitudes were broad.
Her passing leaves a void in the hearts and lives of her husband of 65 years, Chuck; her children John (Janet), Lynn (Glenn Krieg) and Jim (Sheryl); and her grandchildren Claire, Julia, C.J. (Rebecca Glendon), Kimberly and Alexandria. The following are some notes she left for her family and friends, in her own words:
“I decided to share what was important to me in my life and what shaped me into the person I am/was. Those who knew me well know that it would be very difficult for me to say “good-bye” to all of you without having the last word, whether factual or wise. That never mattered too much to me.
When I learned I had cancer, it really didn’t seem to register fully. Was I surprised—yes; sad—yes; accepting—yes; and hopeful—yes.
First and foremost, don’t be sad. I have had a wonderful and full life with so many blessings and so few hardships. I have so many things to be thankful for. My husband, children, grandchildren, and the many amazing friends I was blessed with, as well as the Nuns, priests and teachers who helped me along the way. I am also thankful for:
Steve Jobs, when addressing graduating students, said that we all know we are going to die, we all know there is a heaven, we all want to go to heaven, but we don’t want to die to get there. How true that is and how beautifully he expressed exactly how I feel. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I am going to be fortunate enough to reach heaven, but I do know that when I die, I will begin the final stage of my life which will be everlasting. So please pray for me that I didn’t waste too much of my life, and that I will gain entrance to heaven and eternal happiness.”
A visitation will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, WI on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., followed by Mass at 11:00 A.M. A lunch celebrating Shirley will follow. Gifts in Shirley's memory may be made payable to the UW Foundation with a note “tribute in memory of Shirley Stathas” to the "Bucky's Tuition Promise Fund #112200183" or to the "Great People Annual Scholarship Fund #112816740." Mail to UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox Box 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807. Gifts can also be made online at supportuw.org/giveto/greatpeople.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services is serving Shirley's family.
3610 Speedway Rd.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
St. Thomas Aquinas
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
St. Thomas Aquinas
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