Shirley M. Sanville

Shirley Mae Sanville, age 89, of Escanaba, passed away Monday morning, February 18, 2019 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 19, 1929 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Wilfred and Gertrude (Holmes) Mattson of Cornell, MI. Shirley attended Cornell Elementary School and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1947, the same year she was crowned the “Harvest Queen.” On June 30, 1951, the former Shirley Mae Mattson married Alan Sanville at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. During that time, Shirley was employed as a dental assistant for Dr. Vernon Johnson. She created and managed her at home “day care” for over 32 years. Shirley’s devotion to children and their families became the cornerstone of her love of family and friends. Shirley had a constant smile and endless laugh, along with a sunny attitude that uplifted all of those around her. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she was a member of the dart ball team. Shirley lived her faith through her good works and ran the Bethany Lutheran Church nursery for over 18 years, delivered flowers to the lonely, organized food for funerals, and drove countless church ladies to their destination. Shirley and Al had 4 children and 64 years of marriage; it was one of the truly genuine love stories.

Shirley Mae Sanville is survived by sons, Randy (Mary Gendron) Sanville of Manistique, and Ricky Sanville of Marquette; daughters, Bonnie (Tom) Westerback of Rapid River, and Julie Sanville of Escanaba; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Clifford “Skip” (Joan) Mattson of Escanaba; and sisters, Marilyn Petersen of Stephenson, and Kathleen Mattson Holmes of Traverse City, MI.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Sanville on December 29, 2015; and 1 brother, Glen Mattson.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Shirley will follow at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Randy Sanville officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the fellowship hall at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley M. Sanville, please visit our floral store.