REMEMBERING SHIRLEY: Beloved wife and mother loses life to cancer
Many knew her as the wife of the “mayor of San Carlos Island.”
But, she was so much more.
On July 22, 2015, Shirley Winslow Semmer passed away peacefully with her husband Bill Semmer, daughter Katie Semmer and son Billy Semmer by her side.
Shirley’s immediate family will hold a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life ceremony for friends and family will be held at Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Caf (702 Fishermans Wharf, San Carlos Island) on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note: Bonita Bills will be closed all morning for regular business, and the public ceremony will be strictly a non-smoking gathering.
The Semmer Family would like to invite anyone who may have memories, stories and photos of Shirley to share by sending them to MemoriesOfShirley@gmail.com . Your stories and pictures will be shared with friends and family to bring comfort and to continue to celebrate and recognize her life of giving to others.
First and foremost, Shirley was a mom to Katie and Billy – her proudest and most favorite thing to be, according to Katie.
“The greatest honor of my life is to be known as my mother’s daughter. She was my best friend, my mentor, my teacher, my greatest supporter and, best of all, my mother. She loved so hard, so deeply, and so passionately, that even in her loss, I can still feel her love and will carry it with me everyday,” Katie said
“I miss my momma,” added Billy.
While Shirley will be immensely missed by her family, the whole community will feel the loss. Family members said she was “so thoughtful in her giving and so selfless in her being.”
It is that generous giving that will be remembered in the community. Whether she was raising money for the Beach Elementary School, Ostego Bay Foundation, Fort Myers Beach Kids Foundation, Fourth of July Kid’s Fishing Tournament, Fort Myers Beach fireworks, supporting her family’s fundraisers, attending school and social events, or simply being an encouraging friend or source of support, Shirley touched so many lives in so many ways.
“Her unconditional love for the most precious things in her world will forever be her legacy,” Katie said.
Shirley worked side by side with her husband Bill for more than 25 years to build their business, Semmer Electric Inc., and their many other ventures on the island.
“You know the saying, ‘Behind every good man is a great woman’ and so much so in this case. She was the greatest.” said Bill. “She was the strong, smart, talented woman that helped make it all work.”
Family members said Shirley never wanted individual credit for anything, but she was always behind the scenes and willing to lend a hand. That was and is the Semmer way. It is about being part of a team in making a difference. The Semmer Team has always been known to give back and participate in activities.
“Shirley supported every event I did,” said Tracey Gore, niece of Shirley. “She was my auntie and my friend, and I miss her so much.”
“Shirley was a huge piece of our family heart, and will be missed tremendously,” added sister-in-law Joanne Semmer.
Not everyone knew that Shirley was thoroughly passionate about the Arts.
“Whether she was admiring works of artists or attending performances, supporting local artists in so many ways, or creating her own beautiful works of arts, Shirley had a love of color, creativity and life,” said Katie. “She saw the beauty in everything.”
Shirley’s drive to help others led her to support many organizations in her life, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She took a special interest in groups that helped children in need.
To honor Shirley’s memory, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by calling 1-800-805-5856 or by visiting their website at www.stjude.org .
Shirley was a wife, a sister, an auntie and a friend. Please keep Bill, Katie and Billy Semmer in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
-Katie Semmer contributed to the article