Shirley Ann Soper Husel

Shirley Ann Soper Husel of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, just two days after celebrating her 80th birthday.

Born on March 3, 1946, in Bagley, Minnesota, Shirley grew up in Fosston, where she graduated from Fosston High School. She went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Luke’s Hospital in Moorhead, Minnesota. In 1969, she married the love of her life, Eugene E. “Gene” Husel. The couple moved to Winston-Salem in 1970, and Shirley began her career as a neonatal intensive care nurse at Novant Hospital. Caring for fragile newborns suited her compassionate nature perfectly. Even after retirement, she remained closely connected to her nursing colleagues, often preparing and delivering meals to the hospital staff.

Shirley found her greatest happiness in doing things for others. A talented cook, her kitchen was a place of warmth and constant activity. Each Christmas she baked hundreds of cookies, carefully packaging them to send to friends, family, and her children’s activities. She tended her garden with particular care for her roses, enjoyed collecting items that brought her delight, and had a keen eye for a good bargain. An avid dog lover, she adored her miniature poodle, Fudge. A longtime member of REVO Church, Shirley lived her faith through quiet kindness, generosity, and thoughtful care for those around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Eugene E. “Gene” Husel; her daughter, Laura Ann Husel; her parents, Wendell and Phyllis Soper of Fosston, Minnesota; and many dear friends and family members.

Shirley is survived by her children, Jeffery A. Husel (Brenna) and Jodi L. Husel; her grandson, Daniel A. Husel (Tori); her granddaughter, Makenzie L. McMahan; and her great-granddaughter, Dahlia Lynn Husel, with whom she shared an immediate and joyful connection. She is also survived by her sisters, Holly Meyer of Minnesota, Bonnie Montgomery (Tom) of Minnesota, Donna Olson (Ken) of Wisconsin, and Carol Lowell of Minnesota. Her family will always remember her as a devoted mother and grandmother who loved them deeply and expressed that love through countless acts of care and generosity.