Obituary of Shirley Ann Prygoski

March 18, 1942 - September 4, 2025

Shirley Ann Prygoski.  Age 83 of Wyandotte. 

Beloved wife of the late Kenneth V. Prygoski.  Loving mother of K. Scott (Susan) Prygoski, Allyson Ann (Jason) Hanna and the late Vincent W. Prygoski.  Dearest grandmother of Michael, David, Abby (Kyle) and Alicia (Wyatt).  Great grandmother of Luke and Kendall.  Dear sister of Donna (Gary), Diane (the late Chick) and Lana (Gerry) and sister-in-law of Mary (the late Phil).  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by her parents William and Maryann House and her sister Sharon.

~ Family Tribute ~

Shirley was born in March of 1942, the first of 5 daughters to William and Maryann House. She had the fondest memories of their home on Winona, always bustling with activity. She cherished the relationships she had with her sisters Sharon, Donna, Diane, and Lana, as well their spouses and her nieces and nephews.

Shirley was a proud graduate of the Allen Park public schools. She was a cheerleader, a member of Homecoming Court, and participated in many clubs. She earned her teaching degree with a start at CMU, where she met the love of her life, her husband of 54 years, Ken Prygoski. 

Shirley and Ken married in February of 1962 and had their children Vince, Scott, and Allyson over the next 6 years. She mothered with patience, nurturing, creativity, exuberance, and tireless dedication. She loved anchoring and raising a young family, providing a rich home life in all the ways that truly matter. Her brother-in-law Phil was a cherished friend, along with his entire family.

She began her teaching career at parochial schools, took a break until her youngest child entered kindergarten, and went back to teach Special Education at Riverview High. She took a 3rd grade spot at Memorial Elementary to finish out her years and was inducted into the Riverview Hall of Fame in 2010. By the most important measure of all, the personal reflections from countless students of hers throughout the years, we know she was an exceptional teacher and mentor.

Shirley retired in 1999 to enjoy her family, especially her four grandchildren, Michael, Abby, Alicia, and David, as well as dedicate time to her many volunteer passions. She shared her unconditional love and nurturing with this new generation, much as she did with her own children.

Her volunteer energy was also off the charts, evidenced by her passion for the Wyandotte Historical Society, the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority, and the Wyandotte Scholarship Fund to name a few. She also continued with her lifelong love of crafting, quilting, painting, baking, and always doing useful things with her time that usually benefited others.

Although the final decade of her life was marked by her decline from Alzheimer’s, it was defined by her characteristic good cheer and sunny demeanor. During these years she was blessed with two great-grandchildren Luke and Kendall. And her time at both Kinghaven and Michigan House Senior Living was not a retreat into silence, but a continued opportunity to engage with her new community while keeping a song in her heart and a smile on her face. We are very thankful to the caregivers and staff who made Shirley feel loved and who certainly had her love in return.

Finally, thank you to everyone who shared their heart with Shirley. She would only want to be remembered as someone who loved you too!