Shirley Orze Obituary
Shirley Orze, age 97, of Schererville, IN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
She was born on May 15, 1927 in Chicago, IL by the late Francis and the late Agnes McGrail. Shirley graduated from Parker High School in Chicago, IL. She married the love of her life, the late Kenneth Orze, in 1948. Shirley worked for many years at the chemistry department at Purdue University Calumet and was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 16. She enjoyed traveling and seeing so much of the country with her husband. Shirley was known for her love of reading, storytelling, iconic laugh, feisty independence, proud Irish heritage, love of everything pink, and the greatest sweet tooth ever.
Shirley was the loving mother of four sons, Kenneth (Marge) Orze, Kevin (Carole) Orze, Keith (Cheryl) Orze, and Kerry (Lisa) Orze. She is also survived by her sister, Agnes Harper; her grandchildren, Adam Orze, Jenni (Joe) Buchino, Kristi (Tim) DiLauro, Katie Mancuso, and Kelly (Matthew) Friar; many great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth Orze; her sister, Kathleen Buchanan; her brother, Bill McGrail; her daughter-in-law, Jackie Orze; and her brother-in-law, Ray Harper.
A visitation for Shirley will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 10:00 am at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.chapellawnfunerals.com. for the Orze family.
