Obituaries

Shirley Ann (Bruce) Crimin , age 81, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, at the Merlin Home in Sault Ste. Marie. She was born on January 24, 1944, in Jackson, Michigan, to Kenneth and Nellie Bruce.

Shirley began her life downstate, but Sault Ste. Marie was the place she truly called home. The community she loved, explored, and walked, often with a bag of peanut M&Ms in hand.
Shirley married the love of her life, Ray Crimin, on December 26, 1965. Their marriage was marked by deep affection, laughter, and genuine enjoyment of one another. They were devoted partners in every sense, best friends who worked hard, played hard, and embraced life side by side.

Shirley truly loved life. She and Ray traveled often, enjoying cruises, wintering in Orange Beach, Alabama, visiting wineries and local breweries, dining out with friends, and adventuring wherever curiosity led them. Summers on Mackinac Island held a special place in her heart, as did hiking, biking, camping, long walks around town, and days spent walking along the beach. She especially loved a good bonfire, winter bonfires included. While Shirley loved the snow, and especially a good blizzard, she also treasured sipping coffee on the back deck of their home, often saying, “It’s a Michigan morning.”

Above all, Shirley believed that life was meant to be lived and enjoyed. She embraced retirement with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a sense of fun that never faded. She was authentic, warm, and genuine, never one for pretense, always one for real connection, laughter, and shared experiences.

Shirley was a proud and loving mother to four daughters; Kim Crimin of Lake Bluff, Illinois, Kathy (Steve) Twardy of Sault Ste. Marie, Kelly (Jeremy) Beach of Sault Ste. Marie and Kerrie (Douglas) Christensen of Lowell, Michigan; a cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren, Jenna, Ethan, Bailey, Dylan, Izzy, Ezra, Adelyn, Kullen, Ryker, and Aurora, who brought her immense joy. Shirley and Ray were fun, loving, and adventurous grandparents, always eager to travel to spend time with their growing family; and sister, Jeanette McWaters.

Ray preceded Shirley in death on December 21, 2022, and those who knew them know they are together again; parents, Kenneth and Nellie; sister, Marilyn Boyers; and brother, Richard Bruce.

In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service. A Celebration of Life, the kind she wanted, relaxed and joyful, will be planned for the summer of 2026, when family and friends can gather to share stories, laughter, and memories worthy of a life so well lived.

Shirley Ann Crimin will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love of family, her adventurous spirit, and her belief that the best way to honor life is to truly enjoy it. Rockin Ray and Jammin’ Shirl – together again!

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.