Shirley Ann Lowe

Shirley Ann Lowe, 85, of Appleton passed away December 12, 2020, in Appleton Area Health-Nursing Home.  Visitation will be Friday, June 25, 2021, 10-11 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton.  Father Jeremy Kucera will officiate.  Burial will be in the Appleton City Cemetery.

Shirley Ann Lowe died on December 12, 2020, at the age of 85.   Shirley was born on April 7, 1935 in Slayton, MN to Joseph and Dagna (Berg) McCormick.  Shirley was the youngest of five siblings, Leslie (Fran) McCormick, Dorothy (Lawrence) Hilger, Eunice (John) Meaden and Glen (Joan) McCormick.

Shirley grew up on a farm near Iona, MN, attending country school, until moving into Slayton during high school.  She graduated from Slayton High School in 1953.  After graduation she worked at the bank in Slayton, always very proud that her money drawer balanced every day!  Her family were members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Slayton.

Shirley married James Lowe on August 31, 1957 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Slayton, MN. Shirley and Jim have three children, Lori, Kathleen, and John. Jim and Shirley first lived in Brookings, SD as Jim completed Pharmacy at South Dakota State and Shirley continued working at a bank.  Then they lived in Madelia, Marshall, and Ortonville, MN before moving to Appleton, MN in 1967. She worked alongside Jim at Appleton Pharmacy for many years.  Appleton Pharmacy was our family’s second home and everyone who worked with Jim and Shirley are considered family.

Shirley was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton.  For almost 30 years she served as a song leader for masses, weddings, and funerals at St. John’s.  She also was Chairman of Parish Council and volunteered in many other ways.  Shirley loved music.  She enjoyed many years as a first soprano with barbershop groups Sweet Adelines and Lakeside Harmony in addition to song leading at St. John’s.  Shirley was a Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary in Appleton, member of the VFW Auxiliary and was on the Board of The Martinson Foundation.    Over the years, Shirley enjoyed her family, many friendships, 10:00 Coffee groups, Bridge Clubs and all family and friend celebrations.

While very petite, Shirley was strong in so many ways and survived two cancer diagnosis and treatments and had congestive heart failure.  Her health has been failing over the last year.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and their spouses, father and mother-in-law, Harry and Lillian Lowe, and Jim’s sisters and their spouses, Marilyn (Jim) Smith and Judie (A.J.) Voss.  Shirley is survived by husband of 63 years, Jim Lowe, Appleton.  Children, Lori (Ron) Hume, Kathy Zappa,  and John (Shelley) Lowe.; Grandchildren, Benjamin (Briana) Scott, Lynnae (Daniel) Doumani, M.J.  Zappa, Alexander Zappa, Julia (Ross) Zappa and Ryan Lowe;   Great-granddaughters, Lillian and Eleanor Doumani and Harper Scott; and many nieces and nephews