Shirley E. Tarrow

Shirley E. Tarrow, age 82, longtime resident of Howell, passed away April 17, 2026. She was born on April 18, 1943 in Northville, Michigan; daughter of Arthur and Josephine (Wells) Tarrow. Shirley, the ninth of thirteen children, grew up in Livonia and proudly attended Bentley High School with the Class of 1961.

Shirley had a deep love for music and treasured her stereo, one of her most prized possessions. Elvis Presley was her favorite artist, and she also enjoyed listening to classic country music. Her favorite color was pink, inspired by Elvis’ iconic pink Cadillac. She enjoyed shopping, especially for food and clothes, and always looked forward to any opportunity to get out and browse the stores. She loved applesauce, cake and ice cream, but her favorite food was McDonald’s hamburgers and fries. Shirley also enjoyed spending time outdoors on her patio, soaking up the sunshine while relaxing in her glider. She loved watching the sandhill cranes from her window and took great pride in keeping her lawn neat and well cared for.

Shirley’s greatest joy came from her family. She treasured the wonderful memories of her childhood, especially family picnics and large gatherings, playing outdoors with her siblings, baseball games, climbing trees, and skating on the pond near their home. Shirley cherished every moment spent with her family celebrating birthdays and holidays, and she especially delighted in both giving and receiving gifts. Affectionately known as “Grandma Shirley,” she had a special love for children and was blessed to share close relationships with her caregivers and their families. Shirley was a loving sister whose happiness and warm smile will be fondly remembered.

Shirley is survived by her loving sisters, Dorothy Weeks and Gail (William) Mitton. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Richard Tarrow, Sonny Tarrow, Joe Tarrow, Russell Tarrow, and Stanley Tarrow; and her sisters, June Hubenschmidt, Jean Donaldson, Sharon Tarrow, Janet Mitton, and Joan Dayus.

Shirley’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers, Brenda Tarnow, Melissa, and Amanda, for the compassionate and dedicated care they provided to Shirley over the years.

She will be laid to rest at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Genesis House, 1137 E. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843.