Shirley Macklin

Shirley Ann (Manzo) Macklin of Hartland, age 79, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 8, 2023 surrounded by family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Shirley’s family and friends will gather on Saturday, June 10, 11AM - 12:30 PM with a memorial service following at 12:30 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, Dave Gugin presiding. Her service will be live streamed and may be viewed on her obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. Shirley was the second oldest of six children born to the proud Sicilian-American family of Sam and Beatrice (Collura) Manzo. She had many stories of the amusing things she did with her siblings and cousins, such as hanging her sister out of a second-floor window by her feet so that she could be seen through the kitchen window below. She graduated from Redford High School in 1962 and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Walt Macklin, in 1965. Walt and Shirley raised their four children in Hartland and remained in their cherished home until they could no longer care for themselves there. Shirley was a travel-sports mom, a gardener, and most of all, an Italian cook. She was in the kitchen from dawn until dusk, feeding not only her family, but also the neighborhood kids. From baking bread every Friday and making pizza from her dough, to her pasta sauce that would simmer all day long—loaded with meatballs and sausage—you couldn’t leave Shirley’s kitchen hungry. She just wouldn’t stand for it! As a devoted Christian, Shirley served the Lord for many years by hosting weekly Bible studies at her home (dinner included, of course), serving in her church’s women’s ministry, and spending time faithfully serving the ones in need in her extended family. Shirley is survived by her children, Christine (Pete) Rossi, David (Jennifer) Macklin, Wayne (Shawn) Macklin, Chris (Janice) Macklin, fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Walt, her parents, Walt’s parents—Walter and Marguerite Macklin, and her sisters—Nancy and Linda. Many thanks to Melissa and the staff at Suncrest Senior Home and to Shirley’s faithful friends who supported her for many years during her illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fenton Center of Hope. Shirley’s favorite Bible verse was Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” ‬ ‭We love you, Mom. Now get to work on that Italian wedding soup for the soon-coming wedding banquet in Heaven!