Shirley Marie Defoe

Shirley Marie Defoe, “Giizhigookwe” 69 of Cloquet, MN, passed away on May 15, 2013 at 12:35 pm with her son at her side. Although her passing was unexpected, she went peacefully and without pain.

Shirley worked at Conwed, UMD School of Medicine, Bemidji State College as Director for Native Americans in Medicine and retired from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in 2007. She also served on the Cloquet School Board.

Shirley was a pivotal member of the Fond du Lac Reservation, as well as much of her family. She had a deep love for her “girls” Shi Shi and Zoey (dogs), as well as for her friends and family. Shirley traveled often, most recently returning from her “Dream Trip” and made it back to Minnesota, where her heart will remain, but her spirit will always be free.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Margaret Dufault; 2 nephews, Michael Lund and Greg DuFault and sister-in-law, Priscilla Defoe. Shirley is survived by her son Brian (Ruth) Ostoff; grandson Jordan; sibilings, Russell (June) DuFault, Margaret “Peggy” (Robert) Lund, Peter Defoe, Donald (Dorothy Yadon) Defoe and Carol (Richard) Hayward; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 from 5-8 pm in the Handevidt Funeral Home, 900 Washington Ave, with a vigil prayer service at 7:30. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 10 am until the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial in the Queen of Peace Church, 102 4th Avenue, Cloquet. Interment in New Holy Family Cemetery, Cloquet. To leave an online condolence for Shirley’s family, please visit http://www.handevidtfh.com. Arrangements with Handevidt Funeral & Cremation Service, 879-4636.