Obituary: Koos

Posted on April 19, 2019

Shirley Koos

BLOOMINGTON – Shirley Kaufman Koos, 74, of Bloomington, passed away at her Bloomington residence under hospice care.

Her memorial service will be held on at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington with Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe officiating. The visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm Sunday at the funeral home.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Health Care Clinic 900 N Franklin Ave Normal, IL 61761 or Doctors Without Borders at www.doctorswithoutborders.org.

Shirley was born May 7, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of Ralph and Belle Schwartz Kaufman.   She married Robert A. “Bob” Koos in 1973. He preceded her in death in 2002.

Surviving are two brothers-in-laws, Greg (Carol) Koos of Bloomington and Chris Koos of Normal; two sisters-in-laws, Karen (Harold) Strebe and Maurita (Ken) Wey, both of Bloomington; cousins: Molly Perry, Seth Arnold, Randal Carlson and the David Firestone Family. Shirley also leaves behind many dear friends, Janet Hoffman, Ethan and Nancy Evans, Carol (Dennis) Clarke and Cardena Clarke, Joy Evans Hastings and Barbara Henry-Phillips.

She graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in Cleveland, OH and received a bachelor’s degree at Ohio State University in social work. Shirley served in the Peace Corps from 1967 –1969. She then went on to obtain a master’s degree at Jane Adams College of Social Work UIC, Chicago.

Shirley had a strong desire to serve her community. She volunteered for Star Literacy and she was very involved in CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).  She had worked for PATH and for many years worked with International Friends at ISU, as a volunteer. The happiest time in her life was during her marriage to Bob; and together they were very committed to the international community in our area, introducing many students to our local community life.  They were also legacy donors to the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation supporting the Community Health Care Clinic of Bloomington-Normal. Shirley will be remembered by those who knew and loved her as touching many lives and helping many people overcome their difficulties.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

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