Shirley Jean Gilmour

Shirley Jean (Leistner) Gilmour, age 73, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, in Traverse City, Michigan. Born on June 15, 1952, in Bad Homburg, Germany. Shirley immigrated to the United States as a toddler and was raised near Saginaw, Michigan. A graduate of Carrollton High School, Class of 1970, Shirley began her career serving the community through her work with the Saginaw Township. In 1983, she moved to Fife Lake to be with her husband Dick Gilmour, where she became a familiar and beloved presence. She worked at the Fife Lake Village Township Office before joining Forest Area Community Schools, where she dedicated many years of service before retiring. Shirley was a devoted member of the American Legion Post 219 Woman's Auxiliary for 45 years. She found joy in time spent at the Legion with friends, often filled with laughter and occasional table dancing. Her appreciation for life's simple pleasures shone through in her love of sunny days, time by the water, and tending to her vibrant landscaping and flowers. Whether relaxing on "Dick's Dumb Deck" or enjoying company on her patio with a mojito or Redd's cider in hand, Shirley constantly created spaces filled with warmth and joy. She especially enjoyed traveling to warm sunny destinations with her husband. She was a devoted wife to Dick Gilmour; a loving mother to Kyle Gilmour and Katie (Gilmour) Herro; a proud grandmother to Cayden and Olivia; a dear sister to Scott Leistner; and friend to many. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marianne Leistner; and her in-laws, Donald and Mary Gilmour. A Memorial Gathering will be held on October 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at American Legion Post 219, 10283 M-186 Fife Lake, Michigan. A short memorial will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by an open mic for sharing memories and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan or French Manor Terra Assisted Living in Shirley's memory. May her loving laughter echo warmly in the hearts of all who knew her.