Shirley Mae Wuellner

Shirley Mae Wuellner passed away peacefully into eternal rest on April 29, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, and granny to so many who loved her. She was born in Cincinnati, OH, on September 24, 1929, and moved to Lakeland, FL, in 1966. She was a longtime member of Resurrection Catholic Church, Lakeland, FL.

Her passion in life was nurturing and loving countless babies and children. This began when she and her husband became foster parents with Catholic Charities in the late 1950s in Cincinnati, and continued off and on over several decades, caring for many babies awaiting adoption. In the early 1970s, she returned to college and earned her RN degree in 1976 from Polk Community College. She then worked in the NICU at Polk General Hospital for over a decade, continuing her passion for these precious little ones. Her face always glowed when she held a baby, a testament to her calling from God to love His sweet, precious children.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Albert R. Wuellner, her parents, Edgar Richter and Mary Bickett-Richter, and her brother Robert Richter. Shirley is survived by her two children: Vincent A. Wuellner (and his wife, Susan) and Judy H. Wuellner-Clenney; her two grandchildren: Natalie J. Cleaver-Mahiques (and her husband, Courtney) and Andrew V. Wuellner; and her two great-grandchildren: Savannah L. Mahiques and Madalynn J. Mahiques.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Resurrection Catholic Church, Lakeland, FL 33803, with visitation with the family from 10:00–11:00 AM, followed by her funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in the main sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to one of her cherished charities: One More Child, Covenant House, or St. Vincent de Paul Society.