Carole J. Shady

Carole Jean Shady, age 84, of Ripon, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at her home. Carole was born on December 24, 1940 in Fond du Lac, WI; the daughter of Jay and Helen (Dyer) McDonald. Carole attended St Mary Springs High School in Fond du Lac. She was united in marriage to her loving husband, Rudolph “Butch” Shady on March 5, 1965 in Antigo, WI. Carole was a devoted member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon. She was very involved with operations of Double R Lanes in Ripon. She then worked at Ripon Community Printers for many years before retiring.

A dedicated and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, she filled her home and heart with love. A passionate flower and gardening enthusiast, she was a multiple-time winner of the Ripon Flower Garden Contest and was honored with a place in the Ripon Garden Walk of Fame in 1997. Born on Christmas Eve, she fully embraced the magic of the season, decorating her home with multiple Christmas trees and festive displays. Every holiday was special to her—Halloween was a chance to take on a new character, and she took great pride in her Irish heritage, making St. Patrick’s Day a true celebration. Social and fun-loving, she was quick-witted, loved to tease, and often became the life of the party. Ever watchful, her neighbors knew the neighborhood was safe with her keeping an eye on things. A devoted fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, she cheered on the Brew Crew with enthusiasm and was surely looking forward to finally meeting Bob Uecker in heaven.

Carole is survived by; 4 sons: Kim (Diane) Shady of Ripon; Kevin (Loree) Shady of Fond du Lac; Mark (Nicki) Shady of Brookfield; and Mike (Carrie) Shady of Girard, PA; 2 daughters: Michelle (Paul) Muche of Van Dyne, and Missy (Torry) Kuphal of Fairwater; 18 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Roger (Mary) Shady of Oakfield; other relatives and many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph; her parents, Jay and Helen McDonald; and brother-in-law, Gerald (Nancy) Shady.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday March 8, 2025 at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic church in Ripon with Father Chuck Wrobel officiating. Family and friends may visit at the church on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 9:00am until the time of the Memorial Mass. Interment will be held at a later date in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Ripon.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Jones and the very special staff (Mary, Denise and Kirsten) from the SSM Ripon Cancer Care Center.  Also, special thank you to SSM Hospice for their care and support.

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