Shirley A. Hermanek

Shirley A. Hermanek

Mar 12, 1934 – Mar 28, 2024

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas A. Sr.; parents, Dale and G. Irene Lyman; sister, Lois Kubat. She is survived by her children: Mary McNulty (Thomas), Thomas Hermanek, Jr. (Patty), Margaret (Peg) Hermanek, Julie Grimshaw, Jane Hermanek, Mary Annette Staroscik (Gregg), and Hugh Hermanek (Brenda); grandchildren: Katie McNulty, Beth (Alex) Tang, Michael Grimshaw, Ally (Tim) Graves, Abby (Dalton) Clyde, Thomas III, Andrew, and Gabe; great-grandchildren, Will Clyde and Reese Tang; sisters, Gloria Wilder and Patti Neuberger.

VISITATION: Wed, April 3, 2024, 4:00 p.m., followed by ROSARY at 6:30 p.m., all at West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thurs, April 4, 2024, 10:30 a.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2110 S. 32nd St. Interment: Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for Masses.

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Shirley’s life story began on a small farm near Denison, lowa. Shirley Anne Lyman was the second oldest daughter of Dale and Irene Lyman, with older sister, Lois and two younger sisters, Gloria and Patti. The Lyman’s relocated to south Omaha when Shirley was young. She often told stories of her youth and how her family managed to get by with limited resources, such as having only a few toys to her name, and indulging in ice cream only twice per summer. At the same time, she was quick to point out the strength of her Catholic faith that her mother instilled in her. Shirley’s early years included a unique one-room schoolhouse education, where she was the sole student in her grade.

Shirley graduated from St. Mary’s High School and then attended St. Catherine’s Nursing School, where she completed her studies and became a registered nurse. Her forty years in nursing were both fulfilling to her and filled with service to others. During the latter part of her career, Shirley became a Certified Lactation Consultant, one of the very first in Nebraska. Shirley met her husband, Tom, during her college years at a dance. She would often say that they were meant to spend their lives together due to their matching values and priorities. Shirley and Tom were wed on June 21, 1956. In October of that year, Tom was drafted into the Army and shortly thereafter he spent sixteen months in Japan, while at the same time Shirley remained in Omaha and welcomed their first-born daughter that arrived in July 1957. Over sixteen years they welcomed a total of seven children, Mary, Tom Jr, Peg, Julie, Jane, Annette and Hugh. Shirley was resolute in sending her kids to Catholic schools for their education, with all her children graduating from Our Lady of Lourdes elementary school, and either Mercy High School or Creighton Prep.

Some of Shirley’s favorite moments were of Christmases when her kids were younger. Although the siblings received practical gifts, she knew their close-knit family and strong Catholic faith was her real gift to her children.

In later years, Shirley and Tom became Eucharistic Ministers, attended daily Mass, spent time in their garden and helped to raise their grandkids. Shirley could often be found praying the rosary multiple times per day. In her final weeks, all seven of her children shared in providing comfort and keeping vigil with her every day until her passing. She will be greatly missed by her family.