WAUNAKEE - Edwardeen Shirley (Penhallick) Shugar, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in Waunakee, Wis.

Shirley lived a life devoted to family, service and helping others. Her family was always at the center of her world, and she firmly believed that meals should begin with dessert-a philosophy she joyfully lived by, never missing an opportunity to gather with loved ones around the table. She was a wonderful and creative cook, for which her family was endlessly grateful.

Born on December 5, 1937, in Ellensburg, Wash., Shirley fell in love with Samuel Robert Shugar in 1960. They married just six months later, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, travel, and many homes spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast.

While raising her children, Shirley entered college and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She went on to build a distinguished career as a Trauma Nurse Specialist at Geneva Community Hospital in Geneva, Ill., where her calm presence, leadership, and deep compassion made a lasting impact. She eventually ran the department, embodying her lifelong commitment to caring for others. She later went on to run the nursing department at West Chicago Medical Clinic before retiring.

Shirley was deeply involved in her church and community. Her many interests included quilting, embroidery, cross-country skiing, shopping, volunteering at the hospital, and faithfully serving as a deacon and session member, as well as participating in the church choir. Her faith guided her life, and her generosity touched countless lives.

Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Dana Renée Shugar; her granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Richardson; and her parents, Edward and Dorothy (Dunlap) Penhallick. She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Samuel Robert Shugar; her daughters, Tracy d’Anne (Douglas) Richardson and Kristin Kyle (Brian) Colby; her grandchildren, Brian Colby II (Taylor), Melissa Martel (Grant) and Mikaela “River” Colby; and her great-grandchildren, Logan, Connor, Norah and Louis.

The family extends a very special thank you to Megan, Zoe, Tori and Anne Marie of Brighton Hospice Care, and Nicole at WVSL, for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Shirley. They also wish to extend a thank you to Pastor Ben Ehrets for his support and guidance during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 5763 County Road Q, Waunakee, Wis., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with Pastor Ben Ehrets presiding. A luncheon will follow at the church.

Shirley’s legacy of love, service, faith, and devotion to family will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Dana Shugar Memorial Scholarship Fund (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/63618/donations/new). Please type “Dana Shugar Memorial Scholarship” in the designation box. Or donate to First Presbyterian Church in Waunakee. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Edwardeen Shugar

December 05, 1937 - January 07, 2026

Share photos of Edwardeen