"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

Shirl Edgerly exemplified a life lived in service to others. Shirl was born on May 7, 1935 to Leola and Lionel Bergeron. She was the oldest of 3 children. She is survived by her two siblings, Dick Bergeron and Linda Eddleman, her 3 children Renee Bennett, Doug and Greg Edgerly, her 5 grandsons Dylan Edgerly, Devon Bennett, Nathan Edgerly, Kyle Edgerly and Hunter Bennett and her 2 great-grandsons Dominic and Mason Edgerly.

After high school Shirl entered the convent and graduated from Nazareth Academy in Nazareth Michigan. Upon leaving the convent Shirl enrolled in Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated with a BA in Philosophy and Psychology. Shirl was a lifelong learner and later returned to school when she was in her 50's to pursue a degree in social work.

With a deep desire to pursue a career in police work with juveniles, Shirl started out after college as an undercover store detective in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Unfortunately police officer jobs for women were very limited in the 1950's and required a nursing degree and a minimum age of 25 and so Shirl was unable to fully realize this childhood dream.

Shirl married Don Edgerly of Jenison, Michigan on August 19, 1961. While Don finished his degree at Aquinas, Shirl taught a combined 3-4th grade class at a Catholic grade school. Their Family grew quickly first with Renee and then 9 months and 8 days later they welcomed twin boys Doug and Greg. It was during these years of raising 3 kids that Shirl somehow found time to pursue not only her artwork but also her desire to work with youth by volunteering at the PTA, volunteering at the schools, and teaching Sunday School. When her kids were in their 20's Shirl returned to work as a Director of Social Services at a nursing home in Manchester, CT.

Retiring to The Villages in 2008, Shirl continued utilizing her talents to bless others through her baking, her artwork, and volunteering at the food bank Gateway to Hope in Ocala. At the ripe old age of 90, Shirl up to 2 weeks before her death continued to run a grief share support group,  usher at St George Episcopal Church and was one of The Villages hospital chaplains. Up until the very end of her life Shirl exemplified what it means to "love thy neighbor."

16 of Shirl's children, grandchildren and spouses had planned a surprise party for Shirl's 90th and traveled from Connecticut and Arizona to be with her. While their surprise plans changed a bit with her sudden illness, they were all able to see Shirl before she died. Shirl died peacefully June 19 at home at the age of 90, surrounded by her family.

Her family would like to thank Cornerstone Hospice for their loving and tender care during Shirl's final days at home. Donations in Shirl's honor can be made to the Sumter County Sheriff's Department. The funeral for Shirl will be Tuesday, July 8 at 11AM at St George Episcopal Church, 1250 Paige Pl, Lady Lake, FL 32159