Shirley Anne Albert 1/24/32 - 1/1/2020

Shirley Anne Albert, age 87, of Leesburg FL passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. She was born January 24, 1932 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of the late Jerome Nesvesne and Muriel (Pugh) Barton.

She was regarded by all who knew her as an extremely positive person with never a negative word spoken about another person. She lived life simply and full of experience and gratitude for the life she was able to live. When life seemed complicated, you could count on her to help break it down for you in small pieces, giving you the confidence that you could tackle the challenge in front of you.

One of her greatest talents was that of hospitality paying attention to the small details that many of us miss. She said when you entertain you need to know what people like or what their interests are so that you can make them feel welcome and important. That philosophy carried over to her family as well. No matter where she lived when her family visited it felt like "home". When you were talking with her, you were the most important person in the world to her (unless one of her cats jumped on her).

Her love for animals was a large part of who she was. She has had many animals through the years. Up until September, when she went to live with her daughter and son-in-law, she had three cats. Years ago she adopted a cat that had only three legs, because she knew no one else would.

Another talent was that of being an artist. She developed a love for painting in high school - even winning awards. Her intention was to go to art school, but that was put off to have a family instead. Years later she pursued that desire through various classes where she lived and throughout the country. Sharing her paintings with others was a joy to her. Her artistic ability carried over to decorating, landscaping, sewing, and writing.

Shirley was a homemaker until her children were in high school when she became a beautician in Illinois.  She retired 19 years later to West Palm Beach, FL. Eight years before her husband Frank passed away, they moved to Leesburg, FL to enjoy living in a retirement community called Royal Highlands and live closer to her daughter Laura and son-in-law Thomas. While living in Royal Highlands, she enjoyed getting involved in various painting classes, playing Bridge and Canasta, playing in the Kitchen Band that visited nursing homes to cheer residents up, and enjoying the pool.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Frank Albert of 31 years; son Robert Allen Slouka and brother Jerome C. Nesvesne Jr.

Shirley is survived by son and daughter-in-law William and Vickie Slouka of Genoa, IL, daughter and son-in-law Thomas and Laura (Slouka) Mitchell of Leesburg, FL and daughter Sandra (Slouka) McLaughlin of Royal Palm Beach, FL. Shirley is survived by seven grandchildren; Matthew, Tim, Scott, Julie, Jillian, Shawna, Steven and 11 great grandchildren; Summer, Britlyn, Micah, Jake, Avery, Jaxon, Tino, Alexa, Karley, Morgan, Brielle. She is also survived by three step children; Allen Albert, Audrey (Albert) Kupsco, Alice (Albert) Reilly; eight step grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren.

The famous poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, said, "It is not length of life, but depth of life." The depth of Shirley's life is best reflected in what she leaves behind that will stand the test of time: love, family, humor, simplicity, the ability to make sure people feel heard and valued, and remembering we are never too old to pursue our dreams.

She was loved and adored by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held January 31, 2020 at The National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at 10:00 am.  She will be buried next to her husband and close by her son Robert (Bob).

Donations in her memory can be made to South Lake Animal League, Inc., P.O. Box 121504 Clermont, FL 34712-1504