Shirley M. Berns, age 97, of Breese, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Evercare of Breese. She was born October 3, 1928, in St. Louis, MO, a daughter of the late William and Ida (nee Naert) Susanka.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Paul Berns, DC, whom she married June 21, 1947, in St. Louis, MO and he preceded her in death on November 14, 2008; and son-in-law, James “Jim” Schurman.
Shirley is survived by her loving daughters, Kathleen Schurman of Carlyle and Laurie (Bill) Lampen of Highland; grandchildren, Tyler (Erin) Huelskamp, Katherine (friend, Brannon Cooper) Huelskamp, Nick (Anna) Lampen, and Alison (Jared) Kampwerth; and great-grandchildren, Saylor and Maddyn Huelskamp, Carter Cook, Lucas and Eli Lampen, and James Kampwerth.
A devoted homemaker and faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese, Shirley lived a life centered on family, faith, and simple joys. She loved shopping, sewing, and traveling, and especially enjoyed trips to the casino and wintering in Arizona. Her greatest happiness came from time spent with her family, most especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her endless pride and joy.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. James Nall presiding. Private interment will follow the Mass.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
