Shirley Mae Petrinovich

Shirley passed away peacefully on June 1st, 2026. Twenty-one days before her 94th birthday. Shirley was born on June 22, 1932, to Francis and Beulah Kenaston in Minot, North Dakota and she had a younger brother Bob.

Shirley would ride on the train to Tacoma during her summer vacation in high school to visit her grandparents, aunts and uncles who migrated from Minot. They all lived in Old Town Tacoma and that’s when she met John Petrinovich, the love of her life. Shirley graduated from Minot High School in 1950. She was proud that she was the first in her family to graduate from high school.

Shirley and John were married at Saint Patrick’s Church on April 28, 1951. They had four children and were married for 65 years.

Shirley was involved in various local organizations. Such as Saint Patrick’s, Aquinas and Bellarmine schools and the Slavonian Hall. She enjoyed being in the fashion shows at the ladies’ luncheons for these groups and was a great model.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Beulah Kenaston, her husband John Petrinovich and her brother Bob Kenaston.

Shirley is survived by her four children Debbie (Bob) Zeemin, Jack (Jodi) Petrinovich, Connie (Bill) Gerkman, Lisa Bartich; 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We want to thank all the wonderful staff at Living Life Care Home where Shirley was at for the last 10 years. A special thank you for the wonderful care that Chona, Jean, and Amy.

Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003