Shirley Ann Brady, 89, of Centralia passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025. She was born on November 21, 1935, in Centralia, the daughter of Charles and Florence (Fetgetter) Collins. She married William F. Brady on October 5, 1957, in St. Louis, MO and six children were born of this union. They later divorced and he preceded her in death on March 22, 1984.
Survivors include her beloved children, Erin (Chris) Oehmke of Centralia, William “Bill” (Gertrud) Brady of St. Peters, MO, Brian Brady of Reno, NV, Linda “Shady” Densmore of Centralia, Brigid (Jim) Nalewajka of Carlyle, and Barry (Angela “Angie”) Brady of Richview; cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Svetlana) Oehmke, Katie Oehmke (friend, Travis Eck), Connor Oehmke(fiancée, Rachel Pyszka), and Adam Blankenship; precious dogs, her fur babies, Paris and Brady; and she was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Florence Collins; sisters, Thora (Tom) Termin, and Dorothy (Louis) Schaubert; infant brother, Jerry Collins; brother, Leroy Collins; and son-in-law, Randy Densmore.
Shirley was a proud graduate of Centralia High School, Class of 1953. She graduated from St. Louis’ Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in 1956. She had a compassionate heart and was a natural caregiver, working as an RN at St. Mary’s Hospital, and various other hospitals, as well as a visiting nurse for Home Health. At St. Mary’s Hospital, Shirley was the first head nurse of the Givens Wing and later volunteered as a Pink Lady. For over 40 years, she devoted her life to nursing with unwavering compassion and gentle strength, touching countless lives with her exceptional care and kindness. In 1984, Shirley was honored, by vote of her colleagues, for her years of commitment to selflessly serve others by St. Mary’s Hospital with the Employee of the Year Award. She was a lady of faith, a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church until it closed. She then became a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Vandalia. She truly liked every aspect of travel, from the excitement of planning her next adventure to the lasting memories she made while visiting beautiful destinations. Shirley enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino and more times than not, would have a western show on her television. She had quite the green thumb and grew beautiful flower gardens. Everyone loved the fresh tomatoes she would share from her vegetable garden. She loved to spoil her dogs, Paris and Brady with treats and attention, and their companionship brought her much joy. Shirley was gentle, kind, an amazing listener, a loyal friend and the matriarch of her family. She had a welcoming home, hosting game nights with her children and grandchildren and loving the memories made. Shirley’s character of goodness and affection for all will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Shirley was proud to be called GG or G by her grandkids and supported them with all her heart. She raised her children on her own with tenderness, wisdom and love. Shirley was simply a wonderful mother who always lived every moment of her life to serve others.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Brad Frye officiating, and Carol Brzowsky sharing the eulogy. The Nurse Honor Guard, St. Louis Chapter, will be present to show honor and respect for their colleague, Shirley Brady’s contribution to the nursing profession. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Shirley’s honor to St. James Lutheran Church and/or Six Lemons. Online condolences and memories of Shirley may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
