Shirley A. Podgorski
Shirley A. Podgorski
Cedar Rapids
Shirley was born on September 16, 1940, in Holbrook, IA. Growing up in Parnell, IA, she was one of 13 children of the late William and Evelyn (Sullivan) Weldon. She graduated from Parnell High School where she was an All-State basketball player and then went to work in Iowa City caring for special-needs children prior to marrying David Evans and having her three children: Michele, Todd and Tim. Shirley worked at General Mills for many years and held other jobs as well as volunteered. One of her favorite jobs was selling hats at Armstrong’s where she got to talk to people and help them choose the perfect hat to make them feel good.
More than anything, Shirley enjoyed making people laugh. She never met a stranger. Her quick wit and bright smile were the center of attention when she was in the room. She enjoyed car rides, playing bingo, visiting with old and new friends, Wheel of Fortune, pulling slots, dancing, and she was known to enjoy an ice-cold beer. She really loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports. In her final years, she enjoyed endless car rides and went on many adventures with her son Tim as he was her full-time caregiver.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Michele Mims, of Cedar Rapids, IA, Todd (Maria) Evans, of Marion, IA, and Tim (Angela) Evans, of Cedar Rapids, IA; her grandchildren, Michael, Matt, Ellie, Caden, Brylee, Will, and John; her brother, John (Sue) Weldon, of Cedar Rapids, IA; her dogs, Luna and Astro, as well as many nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Red, Bob, Chuck, Donald, Tom, Dorothy, Donna, Kay, Jean, Pat, and Myrna.
The family would like to thank Dr. Clete Younger and the staff at the 6th Floor Hospice Unit at St. Luke’s Hospital for all the love and support they showed Shirley while she was in their care. They also extend their appreciation to Dr. Chris Hagemann, DDS, for making sure Shirley’s smile was bright until the end.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at St. Ludmila Catholic Parish in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:30 a.m. and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Shirley’s favorite color was blue, so please dress casual in blue.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.