Shirley Conley (née Atkinson)

Shirley E. Conley (née Atkinson)- Wife, Mother and Grandmother 1922-2018 Age 95, of Forest Lake, passed away peacefully March 30, 2018. Shirley was born April 24, 1922 in Litchfield, MN to James D. Atkinson Sr. & Florence B. (Davis) Atkinson.

Shirley attended Litchfield schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and received her bachelors of Science degree from St. Cloud State. Shirley and her sister Betty both played in the orchestra, Shirley the viola and Betty the cello. She was a swimming instructor at the Mpls YWCA from 1944-46, and was an Assistant Librarian at Forest Lake Public Library from 1972-1984. She was on the Forest Lake Library Board from 1965-1972 and was the first woman on the Faith Lutheran Church Council from 1989-1993, she also subbed in the Forest Lake school system for 2 ½ years. Shirley was also an avid supporter of Forest Lake arts and athletics, attending plays, concerts, and so many games and tournaments that many teams throughout the years considered her their #1 fan.

Shirley met Jack C. Conley at St. Cloud State and they were married on October 13, 1945. Shirley and Jack had a 58 year marriage full of love and devotion until Jack’s death in 2003. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack C. Conley; brother, James D. Atkinson Jr. (Addie); sister, Elizabeth Ann Nelson (Merlyn). Survived by sons, David (Debra), Michael (Linda), Timothy (Cheryl); grandchildren, Benson (Emily), Caitlin (Brian), Erin (Mark), Joshua (Mindy), Shaun (Angela), Christopher, Brian; great-grandchildren, Damion, Sophia, Chris, Nora, Jack, Cosette, Olivia, Winston, Beckett; other relatives and numerous friends.

Memorial Service Tuesday, April 10th at 11am at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Private interment Scandinavian Cemetery. Gathering of family and friends one hour prior at the church. Memorials to Faith Lutheran Church, or the Forest Lake Community Scholarship Fund. Mattson Funeral Home 651-464-3556.