Shirley Joy Albrecht, 96, passed away July 22, 2025, at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Illinois. The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island, with visitation to be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Bethany for Children and Families, Moline, Illinois; or Friendship Manor, Rock Island.

Shirley was born May 5, 1929, into the loving home of Orville and Lucille (Peterson) Sammon of East Moline, Illinois. She grew up during the Great Depression, and she fondly recalled that she always thought her humble family was well off because of the richness and fullness of the simple things in their lives. She cherished her many friendships, and she especially treasured the "Lucky 'Leven" group of United Township High School Class of '47 friends who faithfully gathered well into their '90s; her longtime friends from Immanuel Lutheran Church; and the many friends she made later in life as a member of First Covenant Church.

At UTHS she was active in theatre productions, the speech team, the student newspaper, tennis, and bowling. Following her graduation, she became a secretary at John Deere Spreader Works, where she met the love of her life, Robert Albrecht. She "chased him until he caught her" and they were married on October 29, 1949. Shirley and Bob cherished their 62 years together until Bob's death in 2012. They always placed their Christian faith at the foundation of their marriage.

Shirley was a wizard at homemaking, cooking, baking, sewing, volunteering, mentoring, and, together with Bob, supporting their daughters in all of their activities and ambitions. Shirley joined the staff at Augustana College and enjoyed working as a secretary in several departments. She served as a trustee of the Davenport Lutheran Home and as a member of the Advisory Council to the Western Illinois Area Office of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Shirley and Bob enjoyed ballroom dancing, and traveling in the United States and Europe. Most of all, they delighted in hosting warm and inviting gatherings for family and friends; and they were devoted supporters of their grandchildren in their many sporting events, dance and music recitals, and school activities. When great-grandchildren arrived in later years, Shirley relished the opportunity to nurture them into the family.

Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Sherry (Mike) Beardsley, Kathy (Marshall) Guth, and Nancy (Steve) Johnson; four grandchildren, John (Holly) Beardsley, Tyler (Ellen) Guth, Laura (Henry) Cooper, and David (Vanessa) Johnson; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Hugh Saunders, and many dear family members and friends.

Shirley's family thanks the caregivers and staff at Friendship Manor, Silver Cross, and Heartland Hospice; and the staff at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home. We have appreciated your kind and compassionate care as Shirley began her final journey home.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.