Shirley Lorraine Janssen

She was the daughter of Dio and Mabel Holsteen of Nelson, Nebraska.

The love of her life was her husband, Dick, who predeceased her. Together they traveled much of the world. She also loved her parents, brother and four sisters, her children and their families, nieces and nephews, her neighbors, Sweet Adelines, Pikes Peak YMCA and church friends, many children, her caregivers and nurse, Karen Ruge.

An aide in District 11, she enjoyed drawing children into learning.

Singing brought her joy throughout her life but in particular through the Sweet Adelines Velvet Hills Chorus. Starting voice lessons at 70 with Lila Mori she expanded her repertoire and developed a friendship.

Shirley enjoyed cooking and baking. Her pies were anticipated at the neighborhood street picnics and meals were quickly prepared for friends in need.

She welcomed each newborn of friends and family with a handmade sock monkey dressed in clothes made by young sisters who sold them at the Colorado City Farmer’s Market.

She will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her three children, Terry Janssen of Colorado Springs, Deborah J. Palmer and her husband, Greg of Allentown, PA and Jim Janssen and his wife Gail Todaro of Templeton, CA; grandchildren Kerry Janssen, Amy Koller, Stephen and Mirei Janssen, Chris Palmer and his wife, Katherine Ellis, great grandchildren Tyler Koller, Bella Koller, Kaya and Aina Janssen and beloved nieces and nephews, too many to name.

Memorial gifts may be given to First United Methodist Church of Colorado Springs or to the Sweet Adelines Velvet Hills Chorus.

A service celebrating her beautiful life will be held Monday, May 2 at 2pm at First United Methodist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Janssen family.