Shirley Marie (Pratt) Gleason of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan died 27 July 2024 after a brief illness at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Shirley was born July 25, 1929, in Traverse City, Michigan to Leonard and Margaret Pratt. She graduated from Traverse City High School where she was the Home Coming Queen in 1947. She then attended Western Michigan University before marrying Gale Gleason in 1949. She and Gale moved to Sault Ste Marie, where they raised their family. Both she and Gale had careers at Lake Superior State University until her retirement in 1987. After retirement they spent the winter months in Florida but returned home for the summers.

Shirley enjoyed visits from her family. She was active with knitting, quilting and wool needlepoint. She enjoyed caring for her wild birds and flowers.

She is survived by her one son: Kendall (Linda) Gleason of Allen, TX, three daughters: Cindy (Gene) Motuzas of Portage, MI, Susan (Rick) Hancock of Derry, NH and Laura (Dale) Izzard of Milledgeville, GA, two nephews (Steven and David), eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Gale, her parents, and her one sister Betty Van Riper.

Shirley will be interred alongside Gale in Traverse City at a private graveside service.

Memorials can be left to the Lake Superior State University Aquatic Research Laboratory at https://advancement.lssu.edu

Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. To leave a of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com