Shirley Mae Fillinger passed away peacefully with her family by her side at St. Peter’s Hospital February 16, 2013. She was born to Homer and Genevieve Curtis on November 20, 1925 in Glendive, Montana. She graduated from Dawson County High School in 1944. On November 21, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart Gordon Fillinger who always affectionately referred to her as “Sweetie”. He preceded her in death on November 15, 2009. The couple moved to Helena in 1955 where Shirley began her long career at St. John’s Hospital and later at St. Peter’s Hospital. Shirley served as President of Helena Soroptimists, President of the Credit Women’s Breakfast Club, and President of Lewis and Clark Retail Consumer Credit Association. She retired in 1980 and the couple built a beautiful home in Deep Creek Canyon where they lived for the next 11 years. In 1991 they returned to Helena to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Shirley loved dancing, pinochle, fishing, cross-country skiing, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered for the love and care she showed to all who knew her. She always had a smile and a hug for anyone who stopped by. She will be greatly missed.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two brothers. She is survived by her two sons Mike (Annell) Fillinger, Dan (Linda) Fillinger both of Helena, eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service and interment will be held at Fort Harrison, Monday, March 4, 2013, at 1:00 pm. A reception will be held following the service at the home of Dan & Linda Fillinger. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to God’s Love, 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Shirley, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Carol Eckberg Swanson says
My father, Charles Eckberg, worked with Shirley at St. Peter’s Hospital. He spoke very highly of her in our home. My father passed away a few years ago but he would want you to know he thought highly of your beloved.