Shirley Ann (nee Isola) Keir, 84, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, at her home in Punta Gorda.

She was born June 1, 1928, in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Werner and Ann (nee Bjerk) Isola.

Shirley was raised in Laurium, Mich., and graduated high school in Calumet, Mich. She worked for several years at Michigan Tech, prior to moving to the Detroit area and marrying Jim Keir in 1953, where they worked and lived for many years, and enjoyed sailing on Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes. Upon retirement they moved to Laurium, where they also had a cottage on Lake Superior, prior to settling in Punta Gorda in 1980. Shirley was an artist who worked in several mediums, focusing on painting and sculpting. She was an active member of the Associated Artists in Calumet, and the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda. Shirley was active in several charities, especially those aiding animals.

She will be deeply missed by her family, including sisters, Alice Helwig and Maxine Schillinger; nieces, Laurel Helwig, Patti Unger, Beth Lepping and Amy Dalby; nephews, I. Keir Todd, Thom Schillinger, Stuart Schillinger and John Isola; “Florida family”; and many others. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Jim, on May 27, 2012; and her brothers, Werner and Alan Isola.

Memorial donations may be made to the local Humane Society.

Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral Home.