Shirley J. Trottier

Shirley J. Trottier, (Nee: Mills) passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 100 on January 23, 2026, in Racine, Wisconsin.

Shirley was born in Racine, Wisconsin on June 19, 1925, to Melvin and Elizabeth Mills. She graduated in 1943 from Park High School. She was employed by Modine Manufacturing Company as a secretary for about ten years. After her daughters were older, she worked part time at various companies in Racine.

Shirley married Norbert (Norb) Trottier on June 26, 1948, and they were married for 62 years. Norb passed away on December 4, 2010. They were the parents of two beloved daughters who survive them: Terri (David) Swanson of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Gail Trottier (Bruce Springsteen) of Lawrence, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Richard (Dick) Mills, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, and many friends. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by nephews and many more friends. She is also survived by her very special sister-in-law Sue Mills.

Shirley was a long-time member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church where she and her husband sang in the choir. She enjoyed reading, listening to music, especially classical, and crossword puzzles. She was a resident of Parkview Senior Living Community for 20 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held and announced at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Parkview Gardens, Community Care, and Heartland Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Parkview Gardens, 5321 Douglas Avenue, Racine, WI 53402, Community Care/Family Care, 6216 Washington Avenue, Building B, 2nd Floor, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406, Heartland Hospice, 10200 W. Innovation Drive, Suite 400, Milwaukee, WI 53226, or to one’s favorite charity.