Shirley Ann Colaner, nee Hoagland, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was born in February 1936 to Myron and Helen Hoagland of Canton, Ohio. In May of 1957, she married Thomas J. Colaner, the love of her life. He preceded her in death in November of 2019.
Shirley was a graduate of Catholic Central high school in Canton, Ohio where she earned academic honors. She and Tom moved to Bowling Green, Ohio, where they raised their six adoring children. Shirley was a lifelong and devout member of the Catholic church, and she attended St. Thomas More parish in Bowling Green for many decades. Shirley enjoyed a successful 27-year career as an office administrator at Bowling Green State University. She was an avid fan and supporter of BGSU Falcon athletics, especially the football program.
Shirley’s family was always the most important thing in her life. Whether presiding over large family gatherings on holidays, or hosting her loved ones at the beloved lake house she and Tom owned in the charming Lake Erie community of Lakeside, Ohio, Shirley always expressed gratitude for her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her children Karen Smith, Thomas M. (Martha) Colaner, Susan (David) Hendrix, Kathleen (David) Schafer, and Ann (Terry) Malone, her cherished 17 grandchildren and 20 beloved great grandchildren, and her brother Joe Hoagland. She was preceded in death by her daughter Sharon Colaner, her parents, and five siblings.
Shirley will be laid to rest in Bowling Green alongside her loving husband Tom. A private family service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green.
Memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be made to BGSU Foundation/Football, or to a charity of your choice.
