Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Shirley Jean Walton Wietnik
1929 - 2021
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Sarah Yost Fought posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
So many fond memories of her from high school Spanish. A wonderful teacher, and person. I always enjoyed running into after high school and chatting.
Diane Wietnik LaBin Posted Aug 19, 2021 at 11:36 PM
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Kathleen Oliver posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Shirley was a friend to anyone who ever knew her. When Jim came to teach in Hastings, she was his mentor and "big" sister in the foreign language department. I know that she made his transition into the teaching profession one that was wonderful. After I came to Hastings and married Jim, we continued to enjoy the friendship and support of Shirley's kindnesses. There really wasn't anything Shirley wouldn't do to help a person in her own low-key and inimitable way. (I remember her insisting upon loaning us her car while ours was in the shop overnight. Who else does something like that?) After we retired and moved away, we gradually lost touch with Shirley, although I remember one wonderful afternoon when she came to our home to visit. Soon after that, Shirley moved south herself. There were cards and phone calls for awhile, but, to my everlasting regret, the quantity of those gradually diminished and we lost touch. I sincerely hope that we will get the news of time and location for her celebration of life in Hastings so that we may attend. Our sincere condolences are extended to Marcia, Diane, and the entire extended family of this wonderful and extraordinary human being. Rest in peace, Shirley. You changed an abundant number of lives.
Diane Wietnik LaBin Posted Aug 19, 2021 at 11:29 PM
Thank you, Kathleen. Mom always enjoyed you both so much in school, and she enjoyed when she got to catch up after retirement. We love hearing the good memories. We will put a notice in the paper when we get the details for the celebration of life this fall and look forward to seeing you then.
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DOUGLAS L HART posted a condolence
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Lo siento much por la muerte de tu querida mama. Que en paz descanse! I am so sorry for the death of your dear mother. May she rest in Peace.
She entered into my life when I transferred to HHS from the seminary. It was in November, and she was my English teacher. She knew right away that I would never fit into her fifth hour class and had me transferred into her 1st hour class. In 11th grade she became my Spanish II teacher. With the arrival of my exchange student brother, both hers and my lives were forever changed. I was her first Spanish III student in 12th grade. Then, I was off to WMU to become a Spanish teacher. I attended my first MFLA conference in Lansing and with whom should I encounter, but you Mom. She was so pleased to introduce my as one of her students. Later, when we moved to TK, she asked me to take over her Adult Enrichment Spanish Class. We did keep in touch every so often. But as with everything, we lost touch. I moved to the Kalamazoo area two years ago and lost contact with many local events. I saw Carl Schoessel last night, and he informed me of her passing, She was the most kind and gracious person. Without her inspiration, I wouldn't have achieved as much. She believed in me, and it made all the difference in the world.
Please let me know when and where her Memorial will be, I really want to be there. Muchisimas Gracias, Senora Wietnick!
Diane Wietnik LaBin Posted Aug 19, 2021 at 11:33 PM
Muchas gracias, Doug. Mom was proud of the Spanish student you were, and the teacher you became. She would be pleased to be called an inspiration. We will share the info for the celebration of life as soon as we get it set and will look forward to seeing you.
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Elizabeth Walton posted a condolence
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Aunt Shirley was a beloved member of our family. She was adventurous in her Peace Corps work in South America. The best story was of her taking a plane, bus, and then a donkey to a remote village. She adored being a teacher, mentor, and friend in the local schools. She spontaneously spoke Spanish with delight and tried to teach us the language. We lived many states apart, but her visits were always special and I hold them dear to me. I will miss her very much and am thankful for her love. We love you Aunt Shirley!
Love,
Beth, Bina, and Natnael!
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Deb Hall lit a candle
Monday, August 9, 2021
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I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I feel honored to have been in her Spanish class. I only took one year, wish it had been more. I have great memories of being between you two age wise and some exciting “adventures” that I’m sure your mom knew exactly what was going on! She’s finally at peace and together with your dad. Bless them both.
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carla Wilson-Neil posted a condolence
Monday, August 9, 2021
Good Evening...my condolences and best wishes to the family of "Mrs. Wietnik" (although I am turning 67, she will always be Mrs. Wietnik" to me!!!). I have always been in awe of her; she was a wonderful teacher, beloved by many, and courageous and committed in years when many women would be home knitting!!! She has inspired me, and I hope to accomplish in my years left a fraction of what she did. Peace Corps, teaching in Quito, she clearly lived life to its fullest and lived as she believed. Our community was blessed with her gifts and talents...as were any and all she encountered.
Carla Wilson-Neil
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Chris Huver posted a condolence
Monday, August 9, 2021
I am so worry for your loss. "Aunt Shirley" as I used to call her was the kindest person I've ever met. She always had a big smile and a hug for me and everyone in my family.
I spent many hours on North Broadway and at the cabin with Uncle Ed & Aunt Shirley.
You are in my thoughts and Prayers.
Chris Huver
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Nancy Kaufmann uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 5, 2021
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I'm sure Diane and Marcia remember the grapevine of Hastings. With Facebook now, it travels all that much more quickly. So I thought you'd like to see how I shared the news on a couple of Hastings FB pages:
"How do you give tribute to a life that touched so many? Shirley was a Thornapple Garden Club and Friends of the Library buddy of my mom. She always brought fun and delight to everything and everyone she met. Mom adored and admired her greatly and I'm sorry they lost touch with each other as age curtailed their volunteering. I'm so grateful that this link was shared with me so I could share it with all of you who may have also been wondering how she was doing in what was her last chapter of the marvelous story of her life."
Mom had a tendency to save things to reminisce over later. This was one I found in her (many) files. I have so many fond memories of your mom, grandmom, sister, aunt. She saw the positive in everything and made sure everyone else did too. One of my favorites is the time I was back for a visit from California. Mom and Shirley were going on the annual garden tour and I was invited to join them. We were driving down a long driveway and came upon a field of Queen Anne's Lace. "How beautiful," Shirley said. "Those are weeds!", I exclaimed. "Can you believe they use them in bouquets in California?" She simply turned to me and said, "But they're beautiful, Nancy! Look at them." And she was right. They really were.
I'm so glad she is at peace and can visit all the fields of Queen Anne's Lace she wants. Hugs to you all.
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Carol Shanahan uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
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Shirley and I were in the Peace Corps together. We had so many adventures while in Colombia. The pictures are of Shirley, myself, and other forever friends we met in Colombia.
Shirley enriched all our lives.
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Marjorie Moore lit a candle
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
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Diane and family, I have been thinking of your Mother for the last month and what a wonderful woman she was. I wished
secretly my own mother would have been a teacher also. However, you had her with you for so many years, and all of the wonderful memories to share. Love with hugs, Mergency Margee
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The family of Shirley Jean Walton Wietnik uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
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