Shirley Mae (Barkei) McLean

Shirley Mae (Barkei) McLean, 84, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024 in Aurora, her residence for over 60 years. Shirley was born on May 16, 1940, in Naperville, IL and bore a striking resemblance to her namesake Shirley Temple in her childhood years. After growing up on her family farm in Batavia, Shirley graduated in 1958 from Madonna High School in Aurora with many classmates who remained close friends throughout her entire life. While in high school, Shirley met her lifelong companion, Michael McLean. Following their wedding on September 3, 1960 at Holy Cross Church in Batavia, Shirley and Mike were married for 62 years until Mike’s passing in 2022. The loving mother of four young children by the age of 25, Shirley dedicated herself to the unique challenges of raising those four children -- the youngest two of whom were afflicted at birth with cystic fibrosis. Despite those challenges, Shirley worked tirelessly to manage her children’s health and to encourage them in pursuing their individual passions. She emphasized the importance of education and was an active member for decades of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Aurora. Shirley was employed in various capacities in Aurora at McCoy & Warren, at Deuchler and Associates, and later at Pilmer Realty after obtaining her real estate broker license. With a passionate fondness for travel, Shirley also worked for several years as a travel agent at Aurora Travel Agency and subsequently owned the agency with Mike for six years until 2001. She and Mike loved exploring areas throughout the USA and abroad that they could recommend to their clients. Along with her two brothers, Shirley later spent many years developing the property now known as “Barkei Farms” in Batavia after her parents passed. Shirley and Mike loved their many communities of friendship and support over the years at Holy Angels, Westwind Swim and Tennis, Bristol Tap and their bridge clubs. Shirley cherished time spent on their boat and on vacations in Fort Myers Beach, Florida with family and friends. She also loved photography and was interested in capturing the beauty of flowers and coastal landscapes. Shirley proudly tended flowers in her garden and enjoyed helping her own parents with gardening on the family farm. Shirley prioritized relationships and understood the importance of making lasting memories with those she loved. It brought Shirley and her loved ones joy to recall these special memories during visits in her later years. Shirley is survived by her son Tim (Jeanne), daughter Ann (Kevin) Ingram, and daughter-in-law, Kristine McLean; grandchildren Joe (Rachel Redler), Jamie and Daniel McLean, Katie (Michael) Denci, and Meghan (Aric) Duemey; great-grandchildren, Noah and Emma Denci and August Duemey; brother Rod (Patricia) Barkei; sister-in-law Kathy Barkei; and countless loving friends and family. Shirley was preceded in death by her devoted husband Michael; her parents, George and Margaret Barkei; daughter Kathy Colombo and son Tom; and brother Randy Barkei. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 7th at Annunciation Catholic Church in Aurora. Burial will follow immediately at Marywood Cemetery in Aurora. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 6th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St, Aurora IL 60506. 630-631-5500. Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Shirley’s family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Shirley Mae (Barkei) McLean

May 16, 1940 - October 22, 2024