Shirley A. LaVoi

Fortified by the sacraments of her faith, Shirley LaVoi, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, with her loving husband at her side.

Shirley Ann was born on January 4, 1942, to Peter and Alice (Rice) Arco. She grew up in North Minneapolis and attended St. Joseph's Catholic School. She was an avid basketball player and enjoyed watching college and professional sports later in life. After high school she worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.

On November 13, 1965, Shirley was united in marriage to Roger LaVoi at St. Joseph’s Church in Minneapolis. They raised their family in the St. Paul Midway Area, and she spent summers with her two children at the family cabin on Sand Lake in Wisconsin, where Roger would commute on weekends. A member of St. Columba Church and School, Shirley was an advocate of Catholic education, and she served a number of years on the home and school association. She enjoyed time with her family and friends, Friday night volleyball league, annual trips to Las Vegas, card games with the Arcos and Sand Lake neighbors, and the annual “house-to-house” with Van Buren friends.

In 1988 Shirley and Roger realized a lifelong dream and moved from the city to their home on Lake Sylvan in Scandia. There she reconnected with a childhood friend and enjoyed a women’s golf league in Forest Lake.

Grandma Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren, and she babysat weekly on Wednesdays until they entered Kindergarten. She also spent summer weekends at the cabin having “dance” and “donut” parties with her grandkids.

Shirley is survived by Roger, her husband of 60 years, children Susan (John) Gallagher and Steven (partner Erin Davis), grandchildren Samantha Gallagher and David Gallagher, sisters Carol Howard and Marilyn Arco, and beloved and cherished extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Joseph, Anthony, Richard, and Peter, and nephews PJ Arco and Rick Arco.

The family would like to thank the staff at Birchwood Senior Living in Forest Lake for their care of Shirley over the past several years.

Mass of Christian Burial Church of St. Joseph, Taylors Falls, Minnesota on Saturday, January 24, 2026 with visitation one hour prior. Interment Sand Lake Cemetery, Dresser, Wisconsin.