Shirley Hill, Pioneering Nurse and Lifelong Learner Shirley H. Hill of Joliet passed away peacefully on Monday 14 March with her daughter and niece by her side. She was a youthful 97. Shirley was a retired nurse and medical researcher and wife of the late Dr. Harry B. Hill, a Joliet dentist. Loved by many and an inspiration to all who knew her, Shirley was a lifelong learner and an extraordinarily bright spirit known for her youthful attitude, sharp mind, cheerful disposition and willingness to help those in need. Shirley grew up in Elgin, Illinois and was a graduate of Elgin Grade School and High School. She attended Silver Cross Hospital School of Nursing in Joliet, where she received her RN in 1945. After graduating, she supervised the newborn nursery at Silver Cross Hospital and worked in surgery at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. In the 1950s, Shirley was part of a pioneering team of University of Chicago researchers furthering the development of anti-malaria drugs, funded by the US Army. The Malaria Research Program was based at Stateville Penitentiary in Joliet, and the team's work made a major contribution towards advancing the field. Shirley loved the performing arts; in particular singing, dancing and music. She was a member of the Midwest Crossroad Joliet Sweet Adeline Chorus for 35 years, where she sang barbershop harmony at numerous performances and at regional, national and international competitions and formed many lifelong friendships. Fulfilling a childhood desire to learn to play the piano, Shirley began piano lessons at the age of 86. As she progressed, her husband frequently chided that he should rent a performance hall so the wider world could enjoy her talents. Shirley was a believer in the importance of physical fitness and was a regular exerciser throughout her life. She walked regularly and could often be seen in later years pushing her rolling walker with its black and white checkered flag. She was an avid golfer and a member of several golf leagues in Joliet and in Marco Island, FL, where she and her husband spent time after he retired. Together they enjoyed travel to various countries in Eastern and Western Europe and Central America. Though she hung up her water skis some time ago, she continued to enjoy picnics and boating at the family lake property in Wilmington, IL. Shirley maintained a sharp and curious mind and continued to learn well into her later life. She worked diligently to remain engaged and in touch with friends and family via Facebook, email and texts on her phone, tablet and computer. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Joliet since the 1970s, where she participated in various book discussion groups. She was an active member of the Silver Cross Hospital Nursing Alumnae, where she started a breakfast club with other nurses. She was secretary of the SOS Stock and Investor club in Elgin, IL in the 1980s and 90s. She was an avid Rummikub player and frequently hosted friends in her home to play. In recent years, after mercilessly trouncing many an opponent, she was often known to sigh, "Oh, winning all the time is so dull". Shirley H. Hill was born May 24, 1924, in Elgin, IL to Eva (Anderson) and Daniel Mock. Shirley's father served on the Elgin fire department and was a native of Huntley, IL. Her mother immigrated from Sweden as a teenager and later raised three daughters with her husband. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Eva Mock, husband of 52 years Dr. Harry B. Hill, first husband Dr. Donald Swanson, an older sister Dorothy Warren for whom Shirley selflessly cared for over 17 years when Dorothy fell ill, another older sister Marian Christophersen, and a niece Sharon Mills. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Hill, stepdaughter Deborah Staley, nieces Cheryl Royer, Melissa (Dan) Pickering, granddaughters Erin Staley, Amber (Jason) Staley-Walters, Ashley Staley and two great-grandchildren Eva Carolyn Walters and Brady Harry Walters. Shirley's family is deeply saddened by her loss and will miss her open mind, luminous spirit, positive presence, warm smile and quick wit. A service celebrating Shirley will be held at Carlson Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet on Saturday 19 March. Visitation will be at 10:30, until the service at 11:00. Guests are invited to wear a pop of color in tribute to Shirley. Inurnment alongside her husband at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery to follow at a later date. Shirley's family would like to thank Lightways Hospice and Home Instead in Joliet, as well as the team at UChicago Medicine and Drs. Keyur Chauhan and Abhin Singla in Joliet. Special thanks to Jeri Smith for helping Shirley since 2018, and to family friend Adrian Stoddard who helped Shirley since 2017 and worked in Shirley's husband's dental practice for twenty years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Shirley H. Hill to: Lightways Hospice Joliet (lightways.org), or the Joliet Sweet Adelines Midwest Crossroad Chorus (midwestcrossroad.com).