Mineral Point - Shirley Bennett, age 69, of Mineral Point, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 22, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 3, 1947 in Lancaster to Leo and June (Reed) Hahn, and was the eldest of six children. After graduating Lancaster High School in 1965, she was given two choices: to become a teacher or a nurse. She chose the latter and attended St. Mary's School of Nursing in Madison, graduating in 1968. It was while living in Madison that she met her future husband, Don Bennett, on a blind date. Shirley and Don were married on April 19, 1969 and were blessed with three children, Stephanie, Todd and Scott.

Anyone who knew Shirley knew that she was put on this earth to help others. She spent most of her nursing career, over 43 years, at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville, working in Med/Surg, the OR and the ER. She was a caring and compassionate face to those who were sick or worried, and a fierce patient advocate for those whose voices may not have always been heard. It was through her commitment to her patients that she helped create a new position, Surgical Education Coordinator, which she held for several years before retiring in 2011. Even upon retirement, Shirley was still very active in her nursing duties and helped to establish the first Parish Nurse program at St. Mary's-St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mineral Point. She was also an active member of the St. Mary's School of Nursing Alumni Board.

Shirley enjoyed crocheting and reading, and made the best pasty chili sauce ever, even though she had never heard of pasty until she moved to Mineral Point. Shirley also had a knack for shopping and always seemed to pick out the perfect gift for others.

Shirley and Don were able to enjoy several trips during her first few years of retirement, with a trip to Sedona, AZ being one of her favorites. She also enjoyed many "sister" trips with her siblings, with the last one taking them to Seattle this past summer to spend time with their cousins.

Shirley is loved and will be greatly missed by her husband of 47 years, Don, their children, Stephanie (Scott) Brokopp of Dodgeville, Todd (Shanon) Bennett of New Hartford, IA and Scott Bennett of Madison; her grandchildren Cade, Jadyn & Ty Bennett and Quincy & Eli Brokopp. She is further survived by her sisters and brother: Jeanne Kohlbeck of Wausau, Patricia (Rich) Bugalski of Dubuque, IA, Mike (Linda) Hahn of Lancaster, Mary Jo (Kevin) Roesch of Potosi and Barb (Bob) Arnold of Stoughton, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo & June Hahn, her niece, Sarah Andraski, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dick & Margaret Bennett, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David & Karen Bennett.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point, with Fr. Jim Leeser officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28 at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Thursday also at the church. A private burial will take place at a later date. All are invited to help celebrate Shirley with a meal after the service, to be held at the Catholic Center next to the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to be used towards charities of Shirley's choice, as well as establishing a scholarship fund for students pursuing a nursing degree, would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank the many people that have played an instrumental role in Shirley's life these past few years: Dr. Everett & Pat Lindsey, Dr. Gordon Grieshaber, Dr. Kent Kramer, Dr. Liu and the 6th floor Oncology staff at UW Hospital, Dr. Sarah Moore at St. Mary's, Dr. Michelle Mackay and the staff at Turville Bay, and last but certainly not least, the nursing staff at Upland Hills Health that showed Shirley and her family incredible care and compassion.