Northwestern Michigan College President Timothy J. Nelson:
It is with sadness that I share with you news the death of Shirley Okerstrom.
Shirley played a pivotal role in the life of Northwestern Michigan College, serving on the NMC Board of Trustees for 22 years, as the Board’s liaison to the NMC Foundation for 14 years and as a Foundation Board member for eight years. Her dedication was particularly directed to the Dennos Museum Center, and she also served on the Cultivation Committee for the Great Lakes Campus Campaign.
Recognition of her talents and service can be found in the naming of the Fine Arts Building in her honor and the 2004 installation of the Nexus sculpture. She received the college’s highest honor in 2003 as she was named a Fellow and also received the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1999.
In the Grand Traverse community, Shirley served on many boards and in several leadership roles including being active with the Child Guidance Center, the League of Women Voters, the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Grace Episcopal Church Vestry, Munson Hospital Corporate Board, Munson Hospital Auxiliary and the YMCA.
Saturday Jan 11, Grace Episcopal Church,
341 Washington St. Traverse City
11:30 to 12:00 visitation
12 noon to 1 pm service