Shirley May (Brinkman) Cermak

Shirley May Cermak of McHenry, Illinois (formerly Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and Berwyn, Illinois) passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 28th, 2020 while in the loving care of her son-in law Larry Grauzas and his wife Patricia.  Shirley was born on July 11th, 1929 to Edward and Gertrude (nee Powers) Brinkman in Chicago, Illinois.  She married the love of her life, Roy Joseph Cermak, on August 26th, 1950 in Chicago Illinois.  On July 30th, 1952 they brought their daughter Nancy into the world and raised her in the Cermak family three flat apartment building in Berwyn, Illinois.  They instilled in a strong sense of family in Nancy by surrounding themselves with their close and extended Cermak, Powers, Brinkman, and Kennedy family members.  Nancy later went on to marry Larry Grauzas in 1974 and gave her 2 grandchildren: Michael (1980) and Jason (1982).  It was then when she assumed the title of "Nana" that so many people would come to know her by in her later stages of life.  Earlier this year she was able to see the cherished milestone of becoming a great grandmother to Jason's son, Alexander Grauzas.

Shirley was known for her outgoing nature, positive attitude, and contagious sense of humor that made her so fun to be around.  Both her and her husband soaked up every minute of life while with their friends and family, closing down a few bars in the process.  Starting in 1958 Shirley and her husband Roy would spend their summers hosting family and friends at their beloved cottage in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  Eventually this cottage became their permanent home where she would cherish her time with her dear friends and neighbors.  Over time her social routine slowed down to enjoy the occasional "splash" of white zinfandel in her living room or front porch and some good company but that did not diminish the joy that she got from these social calls.  Her community in Twin Lakes embraced her made it possible for both her and Roy to remain in their home as long as possible; for this she will forever be grateful.  Wherever she went there was a new lasting friendship to be made that would be strong as the bond of family.

Shirley was ever the eternal caregiver, a role that would define her and provide an example of true selflessness and compassion that all should take note of.  For most of her life was spent serving as an acting caretaker of her family members.  When she entered the Cermak family she helped take care of Roy's mother Mae until her passing in 1975.  She later then assumed the role of caregiver to her mother Gertrude for many years until her passing in 1999.  After her daughter Nancy fell ill with cancer, she played a significant role in assisting in her care over the course of several years until her eventual passing in 2003.  When her husband Roy fell ill in the late stage of his life she transitioned into the role of his caregiver until his passing in 2009.  Her efforts allowed for multiple generations of family members to pass with the dignity that we would all be lucky to have.  This example she set for others around her inspired her family and neighbors to reciprocate some of the care that she graced others with at the final stages of her life.

Shirley was known to be a devout Catholic and would always offer her prayers to those in need.  Those that knew her would be able to recall her frequent prayers to St. Anthony to help her locate misplaced items.  Fortunately, most of the time those prayers were answered as she would often say "I'd forget my head if it wasn't bolted on".  She surely will continue to think about all of the lives that she touched and watch over us from her new perch in Heaven, finally rejoining all of her family and friends that left this world before her.  Nana will be up there saving a seat at the bar while waiting to buy the 1st round to welcome us to the party in the afterlife.

She is survived by her grandchildren Michael and Jason Grauzas and her great grandchild Alexander Grauzas.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Roy (December 24th, 2009) and daughter Nancy (May 2nd, 2003) who lost her battle with cancer.

Funeral Mass will be held on at 10:00AM on Tuesday January 5, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church 701 N Lake Ave. Twin Lakes, WI. Church is limited to 100 people for the service due to covid restrictions.      Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.    Visitation will be held on Monday January 4, 2021 from 4:00PM until 8:00PM at the Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home 620 Legion Dr.  Twin Lakes, WI.  Online condolences Haaselockwoodfhs.com. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.