Shirley Y. Zawodni

Shirley Zawodni passed away peacefully at Kingston Residence in Sylvania, Ohio on Sunday, July 05, 2015, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure and renal failure.  Prior to this she lived with her daughter and son-in-law.  Shirley was born August 30, 1932 in Cambridge, OH to Raymond Barnett and O. Doris (McLaughlin) Mueller Rollins.   Her family moved to Toledo when she was 2 years old.  Shirley was adopted by Edward G. Mueller in 1943 after his marriage to her mom Doris.  She graduated from Woodward High School in 1950 and worked at the phone company.  She was married to her high school sweetheart, Ronald F. Zawodni, for 47 years.  He preceded her in death in November of 2000.  Shirley was an educational secretary for over 25 years, working at Hiawatha Elementary School in the Washington Local School District and the ALC for Lucas County Schools.    She retired from the University of Toledo Biology Department. Shirley was involved in many activities over the years.  She was a member of the Toastmasters, serving as secretary and vice-president of her chapter.  She earned her ATM Silver and over 15 trophies.   Shirley enjoyed writing, and at one time, wrote a monthly camping column for the Ohio camping publication, The Camper’s Herald.  She also served on various committees for the Holiday Rambler Club, the OH MI Fun Club, and the Maumee Valley Travel Trailer Club.  Shirley and Ron enjoyed camping in their motorhome.   After becoming boaters, they joined the United States Power Squadron in 1990.  She was active in the Toledo Chapter, District 29, and also served on a National Committee for Member Involvement.   She was a contributing editor to the squadron’s newsletter, The Breeze.   During this time, Ron and Shirley were active in Ottawa River Yacht Club, where she served as the financial secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary for six years.   Shirley belonged to the Toledo chapter of the Order of the Elks.  She was a former member of the Toledo Women’s Ladies Club and served as secretary.  She was a charter member of the Toledo Metropolitan Ladies Club founded in 2004 and served on each level of the Board of Directors. Shirley loved her family very much.  They brought her much pride.  She is survived by her daughter, Libby (Steven L.) Schmitt; son, Steven R. Zawodni, and her beloved granddaughter Officer Amanda E. (Christopher Johnson) Schmitt along with Chris’s children Kristin and Brandon Johnson.  Also surviving Shirley is her brother Edward (Carol) Mueller, nieces Kristen (Bert) Oberlander, Brooke Mueller, great-nephews Jack and Harry Oberlander, grand-niece Elizabeth Darrow, and “adopted” son George C. Schmitt.    She also has several cousins including Diane Rowland of Texas.   Finally, left to mourn her loss is our beloved English Mastiff, Angus. Shirley’s family wishes to thank all those who included her in their prayers.  Also, they wish to thank Dr. Samina Hasan and Nurse Natalie, and the nurses, staff, and volunteers at Ebeid Hospice.  We so appreciate the Hospice team from Promedica Hospice and the special way the nurses and all the staff at Kingston worked with them to make her journey peaceful.  Kennethia and Dannielle, you are both angels. Friends may visit the family on Thursday July 9, 2015 from 2-9 PM at Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey RD).   Family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00-11:00 AM at Little Flower Catholic Church 5522 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43615 followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. The family asks you to consider donations to The Cherry Street Mission 3342 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 34606, the Sparrow’s Nest 436 W. Delaware Ave. Toledo, OH 43610, or Promedica Hospice 5577 Monroe St. Suite 16 Sylvania, OH 43560  in lieu of flowers.   Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com