Shirley Ann Nygaard

Shirley Ann Nygaard (nee LeMay) passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and deep devotion to family and friends. She was the beloved wife of the late Lyman “Toby” Nygaard, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage filled with laughter, music, adventure, and unwavering partnership.

Shirley was born December 31, 1935 in Oconto, Wisconsin to Marcella Marie Johnson and Edmond Carl Lewis LeMay. Shirley grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she attended North Division High School. It was during those years that she met Toby, who quickly swept her off her feet. They were married in 1953 while Toby served in the U.S. Air Force and built a beautiful life together—one marked by shared adventures—including owning a motel in Arizona, a love of music, and memorable travels, especially back to the warmth of Arizona to escape Wisconsin winters.

A longtime resident of Thiensville, WI, Shirley and Toby were active members of Crossroads Presbyterian Church for many years.

A gifted quilter and lifelong creator, Shirley made countless stunning, colorful quilts—many lovingly crafted for her grandchildren as they headed off to college. This cherished tradition lives on through her granddaughter Liz. Shirley was always crafting, creating, or baking—famous for her cheesecakes and peanut squares, her thoughtfully prepared lefse at the holidays, and her joy in gathering people together.

She loved anything that sparkled, treasured a warm cup of coffee paired with good conversation, and was endlessly generous with her time, wisdom, and care. Shirley adored her family and made certain that everyone around her knew they were deeply loved. And she, in return, was oh so very loved.

Shirley was the loving mother to the late Pamela (Randy) Ray, Paula Nygaard, Penny Nygaard, and Paul (the late Mary) Nygaard. She was a devoted sister to Doug (Mildred) LeMay and was preceded in death by her brother, Richard LeMay.

She was a cherished grandmother to Allison Ray; Kimberly (Jamie) Angeli; Jamie Ziolkowski; Jarrod (the late Karie) Ray; Dana (Robert) Carter; Elizabeth Shuster Ahmadivarji; and Will Nygaard. Shirley was a proud and loving great-grandmother to 14 great grandchildren.

She was also a lifelong and loyal friend to many whose lives were enriched by Shirley’s warmth, generosity, and storytelling.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Marcella Marie Johnson and Edmond Carl Lewis LeMay, her husband, Lyman Van “Toby” Nygaard; her daughter, Pamela Gay Ray; her brother Richard LeMay, her daughter-in-law, Mary Nygaard; her granddaughter, Emily Kate Shuster; and her granddaughter-in-law, Karie Ray.

A celebration of life will take place in June with details forthcoming. Shirley loved a good party.

Cremation was entrusted to Schramka Funeral Home in Thiensville. Shirley will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Oconto with her husband, Toby, and her parents.

The family thanks Aurora Health at Home, Hospice Care and Zilber Family Hospice for their thoughtful care—In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Shirley’s name to these organizations.

In honor of Shirley, craft something special—preferably with a bit of sparkle—as a reflection of the light, beauty, and joy she brought into the world and shared so freely with others.