In Memory of Shirley Bertrand, Shirley's Doll House

I was lucky enough to visit Shirley's when I was just a teen, and she had just opened.  I kid you not;

 I gave up a chance to go to go to prom that year so I could see the dolls!  I always did well

and couldn't wait for the next trip.

Recently, Theriaullt's included some of her dolls in their auctions.  I know she had a great

collection, and on one visit, we had quite a chat with her husband.  Each month during the late 80s and 

early 90s brought a fresh newsletter from the doll house, and I eagerly anticipated them.  I've saved

them all.  Even in San Jose, and the Holiday of Black Dolls Festival in 1990, their were postcards

promoting dolls offered by Shirley's.

Like another Shirley we all know and love, Mrs. Bertrand was a beloved institution in the world of doll

collecting.  In fact, it was there I first saw the action figure of Muhammad Ali, who left us only this week.

She had everything there, and her doll library alone made your drool.  May she rest in peace, may 

all in the doll world know she was loved and will be missed.

Obituary of Shirley Bertrand

Shirley M. Bertrand nee Palmer age 78 of Wadsworth, IL formerly of Menomonie, WI. Cherished daughter of the late William and late Evelyn Palmer. Beloved mother of Susan Wade, John (Mary Sue) Petersen, Steve (Kim) Petersen and Ellen (Ed) Stober. Loving grandmother of Samantha, Nick, Dan, Stephanie, Jeff, Lindsey, Abbey, Christian, Eric, Kylie, Maggie and the late Billy. Fond sister of the late Florence (late Paul) Sorenson and Roger (Gloria) Palmer. Aunt of many. Shirley was the proud Owner of Shirley’s Dollhouse in Wheeling for 40 years.

Visitation Saturday 1 pm until time of Life Celebration Service at 5:30 pm at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave. (2 Blocks South of Dundee Road) Wheeling. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org appreciated. For Funeral info 847.537.6600, www.funerals.pro

Print