The Heart Behind Shirley’s Way

This Is
Shirley’s
Story.

A mother. A Memaw. A legacy of kindness. Shirley Mulrooney was Mike Mulrooney’s mother—and the inspiration behind everything Shirley’s Way has become.

Shirley Mulrooney smiling with a grandchild
Portrait of Shirley Mulrooney
Young portrait of Shirley Mulrooney
Shirley Mulrooney

Shirley Mulrooney

A Life Built
on Kindness.

Shirley Mulrooney grew up in a small, modest home in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended St. Paul Elementary School and PRP High School. She was loved by all and had many friends throughout her life.

She went to church every Sunday that her family can remember. If someone was sick, she was always there to cook a meal or run to the store for groceries or medicine. She was a giving, simple person who never cared much about material things.

She had a soft heart for children and loved when her grandchildren came to visit. They called her “Memaw.”

Shirley passed away from liver cancer on March 5, 2013, at 9:32 a.m. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, bones, and brain. Through unimaginable pain, she remained the sweetest and kindest person you could ever meet. She now rests in St. Paul Cemetery in Louisville, cancer-free.

At her funeral, the director said he had never seen so many people attend a service for someone who was not in the public eye. Shirley was beloved by her family and friends, and her gentle heart changed many lives. Today, her son Mike carries on her tradition of caring through Shirley’s Way.

Her kindness became a movement.

What began with one remarkable mother now helps families across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

A Place by the Ocean

Shirley’s Bench
on the Beach.

Before she died, Shirley said that if she could do anything, she would love to see the ocean. In 2015, a friend visiting Panama City Beach noticed benches on the pier bearing people’s names and learned that a memorial bench could be purchased.

When the idea was shared on Facebook, people immediately began donating. The full amount was raised in just three days—so now Shirley can see the ocean anytime she wants.

Shirley Mulrooney memorial bench overlooking the ocean
Close view of Shirley Mulrooney's memorial bench

Continue Her Legacy

Help Us Keep Shirley’s Kindness Moving Forward.

Your support helps Shirley’s Way continue serving individuals and families when they need compassion and assistance most.

Support Our Mission