Obituary of Shirley Mae Brookman
Shirley Brookman, age 95, of Shorewood, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at her home. She was born on September 12, 1930 in Joliet, IL, the daughter of the late John and Lillian (nee Woodin) Ward. Shirley attended St. Bernard’s Grade School and graduated from Providence Catholic High School with the Class of 1947.
Shirley was united in marriage to John Brookman on July 15, 1951, meeting each other while roller skating. John was truly the love of her life. Together they cherished time on the river at their home in Wilmington, creating many wonderful memories.
She worked at the Joliet Medical Group for over 30 years, where she formed many lasting friendships. Shirley was deeply thankful for the love and support shown by the many family members and friends who visited her throughout the years. As the oldest sibling in a family of nine, as she was especially proud and grateful for her brothers and sisters, and treasured the close bond they shared.
Shirley is survived by her siblings, Lillian Mancuso, Patricia Orosco, Carol (Harold) Clark, John Ward, Robert (Kathy) Ward; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; sisters, Norma Jean (Raymond) Webster, Margaret (Thomas) Smith and Phyllis (Donald) Podlesny; brother-in-law, Michael Mancuso; sisters-in-laws, Marie Ward, Shirley (Richard) Lusciatti, and Marilyn (Francis) Denneau.
Funeral Services for Shirley Brookman will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026. Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 604 S. Kankaee St., Wilmington, IL where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wilmington. Visitation will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Morning Star Mission or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
