Shirley Ann Wooden, 92, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. She was born on July 19, 1934, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Mary (Stryker) and Harry H. Wooden Sr.

Shirley was a woman of deep faith, strong conviction, and an unwavering sense of justice. She earned her Master of Divinity and devoted her entire career to the Presbyterian Church, serving as an ordained minister and later spending the final period of her career working for the Presbyterian Church’s Board of Pensions. She was a trailblazer in the church, becoming the second woman ordained in the Presbyterian Church in Illinois.

Throughout her life, Shirley believed strongly in standing up for what was right. She was a passionate advocate for women’s rights, environmental causes, social justice, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. She participated in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s and never hesitated to speak up or challenge injustice, whether the issue was large or small. She was a force of nature, strong-willed, outspoken, and fiercely principled, with a temper to match; but those who knew her best also knew her as loving, kind, compassionate, and generous to a fault.

Shirley was an active member of her community and cherished the friendships and connections she made throughout her life. At Wesley Willows, she enjoyed being part of the poker club and formed many meaningful relationships. She was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for women around the world, as well as the Circle Group at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Always curious and full of life, Shirley loved to travel, including living in Alaska and Scotland. She especially enjoyed good food along the way. In her later years, she took great pleasure in hearing about her family’s travels, living vicariously through their adventures and stories. She loved her family deeply and treasured every opportunity to hear what was happening in their lives.

Later in life, Shirley discovered a love for physical training and fitness. She embraced it with the same determination she brought to everything else, even earning the first monthly fitness award at Wesley Willows, a fitting accomplishment for a woman who never stopped challenging herself.

Shirley was sharp as a tack until the very end. She was intelligent, sassy, quick-witted, and never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. Her strong personality could fill a room, but so could her warmth and generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, advocacy, courage, and an enduring commitment to making the world a better place.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother and father; her brother, Harry H. Wooden Jr.; and her close special friend and roommate of ≈35 years, Marjorie Cushman.

Shirley is survived by her nephew, Sean (Anastasia) Wooden; her niece, Amanda (John Enyeart) Wooden. She is also survived by her great-nieces and great-nephews, Tatiana, Alexander, Sofia, Maria, and Aidan Wooden. As well as, Marj’s children; Wendy, Tobi, Penny and Ron; and their extended family, who were all special parts of her life.

A memorial service for Shirley will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church at a later date to be announced.

Shirley will be remembered for her fierce spirit, sharp mind, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to justice. She was not afraid to challenge the world around her, and she leaves behind a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.