Shirley 'GiGi' DeBoer Paro of Newburgh, Indiana
Shirley "GiGi" DeBoer Paro, 90, of Newburgh, Indiana, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Jan. 21, 2020. She passed away peacefully at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Newburgh, Indiana.
Shirley was born Jan. 22, 1929 in Syracuse, New York to the late Edward A. and Maureen (Rena) Hogerwerf DeBoer. "Happy 91st Heavenly Birthday!"
Shirley graduated from Eastwood High School and CCBI Business College in Syracuse, New York. It was there she was Senior Prom Queen at both schools.
After college she married Don Paro on March 24, 1951, making their first home in Massena, New York. She was a loving wife who supported her husband's career, taking them from Massena, New York to Davenport, Iowa, to Vancouver, Washington and finally Newburgh, Indiana. After Don's retirement, they became snowbirds, dividing their time between Newburgh and North Port, Florida.
Shirley enjoyed being involved in the retirement community, volunteering at the Red Cross, and was a member of the Sunshine Committee. Shirley was an avid golfer, belonging to Evansville Country Club and Rolling Hills Country Club. She was known for her beautiful golfing hats. She only owned 42. If asked which was her favorite, she replied "all of them."
She loved spending time on the golf course with girlfriends and, in later years, teaching her granddaughters the love of the game. She also was a member of Young Audience Organization. She enjoyed working part time (16 years) at deJongs when it was located at Lawndale and Eastland Mall.
For the last two years, she lived with her daughter and son-in-law, enjoying her room, calling it "a room with a view"; watching cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, dogs running, grandkids playing and often wondering the destination of planes crossing the skyline. She was always graceful and thankful for her beautiful room.
GiGi would light up when the grand- and great-grandchildren came to visit. Everyone had a special word describing GiGi: "Sunshine, Fancy, Gracious, Smiley, Funny, Happy, Extraordinary, Loving, Golf, Forgiving, Gorgeous, Fashionista, Listens, Beautiful, Smiles, Kind, Caring and Humble."
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Don Paro; her parents, Edward and Maureen DeBoer; brothers Edward (Stella) DeBoer II and Jay (Betty) DeBoer; and a sister, Adrienne DeBoer of Syracuse, New York.
She is survived by her two sons, Jay Paro of Eldorado and Edward (Sofie) Paro of California; daughter, Donna (Gerald) Kaiser of Newburgh, Indiana; grandchildren, Maureen (Nick) Barton, Kris Ann (Jared) Tapp, Jay (Jennifer) Paro Jr. and Steven Paro; and great-grandchildren, Felicity and Caden Paro, Will and Katherine Barton and Eli and Anna-Leigh Tapp.
We thank Mom's caregivers: Karen, for your two years of dedication, compassion and humor that Mom dearly loved. Remember "Live Laugh Love"; Vickie's team of Ashley, Angela, Brittany, Megan, Dawn and Shannon - the most supportive and professional group of women. Mom loved each of you. Ann Marie, Mom's nurse from Heart to Heart: Thank you for your education, guidance and loving words.
Private services will be held at Titzer Family Funeral Homes, Simpson Chapel, at 510 W. Jennings St., Newburgh, Indiana. (812) 853-8314. Condolences may be made at www.titzerfuneralhomes.com.