Shirley Tunston Kulis, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at Trinity Springs Assisted Living, Oxford, FL. Shirley was a kind and compassionate soul whose kind and caring presence and sense of humor touched everyone she met.

Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, Shirley spent the first years of her married life in Red Bank, New Jersey before moving to Newport News, VA in 1976. She moved to The Villages, Florida during her last years to be close to family.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Fred: her three children and their spouses Pat (Jim), Tom (Kym), Rob (Jen), six grandchildren, Jim Kulis (Alex), Patrick Heeter (Allison), Sarah Wilson (Keith), Christopher Kulis, Harrison Kulis, and Hudson Kulis and five great-grandchildren, Savannah Wilson, Theodore Heeter, Benjamin Heeter, Eliza Wilson and Conrad Kulis.

Shirley's generosity knew no bounds. She sacrificed everything for her family and friends, always putting their needs first. Shirley always took pride in her family's accomplishments. Her greatest joy was raising her four children and supporting her grandchildren every step of the way – celebrating every milestone, no matter how small or the distance that may have separated them. She made holidays special – her Christmas spirit was contagious.

After being out of the workforce for close to 20 years to raise children, Shirley became the secretary at Dutrow Elementary School, Newport News, Virginia and remained in that position until she retired. She loved her job – she especially enjoyed greeting the school children each morning with her warm and compassionate smile. She would do anything she could to make the teachers' jobs a bit easier.

Shirley's enjoyment of life was evident in all she did. She and her husband of 72 years were inseparable. They loved socializing with friends, going out to dinner, going to the movies and taking an occasional road trip to "test their luck" at Dover Downs, DL and Atlantic City, NJ. Above all, they prioritized spending time with their children and grandchildren. She conversed with any person who glanced in her direction (much to the embarrassment of her daughter). She was a great listener and could recall every detail of a conversation. Her joy extended to the simple pleasures of life, such as having her morning cup of tea, telephone calls with family and chatting with friends. She valued her time volunteering for the St. Jude's Guild and Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Newport News, VA.

While our hearts mourn the loss of Shirley, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and joined once again with her beloved daughter, Barbara (deceased 1991). Her legacy of love, compassion and joy will continue to inspire us all.

A private gathering of family to remember Shirley will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (OLMC) St. Jude's Guild or (OLMC) Knight's of Columbus. A private internment will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Society, Wildwood, Florida.