Withbroe, Mrs. Byron (Shirley)Mrs. Byron (Shirley Helen Peplinski) Withbroe, 89.95 years old, Green Bay, died Sunday, April 2, 2017. She was born on April 22, 1927, the eldest of three children of Richard and Naomi (Oberweiser) Peplinski.Shirley met Byron in January 1956 at the International Ski Jump Competition in Iron Mountain, MI. The couple chose to be married on Decoration Day (May 30) following a short engagement. As the date was a federal holiday, they anticipated celebrating anniversaries with days off of work. Their plans were foiled by the federal government, no less, when in 1965, Decoration Day became Memorial Day celebrated on the last Monday in May. Shirley and Byron were blessed with 53 anniversaries, sharing their love of golf, sail boating, skiing, and travel. Byron passed away at the age of 88, in 2009. Byron's obituary - and now Shirley's - carry this tribute, "Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry." - Tom Mullen.Shirley attended a small kindergarten class at St. Joseph Academy, St. Patrick School for grades 1-8, and graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1946. She graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1948. For several years after returning home, Shirley worked for H. C. Prange Co. and for Schauer & Schumacher Furniture as an interior designer. After teaching decorative arts painting at NWTC in Green Bay and Shawano for 28 years, she joined Byron in retirement. During her life, Shirley produced many needlepoint artworks inspired by the talents and works of her female ancestors. Most creations were on display throughout her home and included family-event commemorations, one-of-a-kind purses, and decorated furniture. Strawberries were Shirley's favorite detail.Ahead of her time, Shirley obtained a pilot's license and flew solo at 16. Her father recognized that air travel offered peak business effectiveness, and she joined him taking lessons. Shirley, co-pilot in-training, lost her dear father in 1950; flying planes was discontinued.Recognized as Mrs. Byron Withbroe (custom of the time), Shirley is the sole survivor of eight American Red Cross Gray Ladies who volunteered in 1963 at the new St. Mary's Hospital. She provided a variety of support for nearly 50 years, early on as often as two days a week.TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE LEFT BEHIND IS TO NEVER DIE. Shirley is survived by her brother, Richard Peplinski, Jr., Orland Park, IL, and his sons, Richard Peplinski III (Donna) and Timothy, all of Chicago. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Bernard Rink, Lake Leelanau, MI, and his sons: James (Karen), Lake Leelanau, MI; David (Sandi), Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Thomas, Tulsa, OK; Chris (Sue), New Berlin, WI; and Andrew (Myra), Traverse City, MI. Shirley's relatives and friends knew of these seven youngsters as "her boys". Their families, residences were frequent destinations over the years. As recently as 2014, Shirley drove to Chicago accompanied by lovable Duffy, her very communicative and ever-nearby dog."Aunt Shirley" is survived by nieces and nephews from Byron's family. She is survived by many special cousins and their spouses. Also, survived by many dear friends who shared her life, celebrating good times and providing support during bad times.Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Suzanne Rink; sister-in-law, Mary Helen Peplinski; and Byron's brothers, Alton D. (infant), Erv, Robert, and Alton E.Friends may call at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St., Green Bay, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 10. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church with Rev. Andrew G. Cribben O.Praem officiating. Burial will be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.