Shirley Audrey Mendis

Shirley was born on January 6, 1951, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She spent most of her childhood and adult life in the Detroit area, where she enjoyed being active in local painting clubs and singing in the choir at Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham, Michigan.

From a young age, Shirley studied jazz piano under several of Detroit's talented musicians, developing a lifelong appreciation for music and creativity. As the years passed, her passion turned to the visual arts, which became one of the defining joys of her life. She was especially known for her vibrant abstract floral paintings and delicate watercolor works, expressing her unique perspective through color and form.

Shirley also loved crafting, though the friendships she built and the time she shared with the wonderful women around her were what made those gatherings so meaningful. She found great joy in dining at her favorite restaurants, shopping, spending time with her family, and creating art. A true free spirit, Shirley had an infectious spirit and a gift for bringing people together. She was often the life of the party, filling every room with warmth, laughter, and a sense of fun.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John Mendis; her parents, Fred and Audrey Miles; her siblings, Christine Byres and Fred Miles; and her son-in-law, Chris Hauseman, husband of her daughter, Melody Mendis.

She is survived by her daughter, Melody Mendis; her sisters, Patti Bures and Denise Miles; her brothers-in-law, Tim Byrnes and Frank Bures; and her nieces and nephews, Nicolle Talley, Neil Talley, Liana Swanfeather Bowman, David Bowman, Audrey Byrnes, and Bryan Byrnes.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Shirley's life at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

13505 Excelsior Blvd.

Minnetonka, MN 55345

Phone: (952) 935-1432

Visitation: 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

A luncheon will follow the Mass in the Fireside Room.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Humane Society in Shirley's honor.

Please make checks payable to:

Attn: Donor Services

Animal Humane Society

845 Meadow Lane North

Golden Valley, MN 55422

Website: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org