nee, Shirley Avery, Allegan, MI, died Sunday, July 26, 2009 at the Allegan Country Estates. Mrs. McElwee was born July 1, 1929 in Cadillac, the daughter of Elton and Edith (Johnson) Avery. She had worked for the State of Michigan for many years, then with her husband, Philip, at Allegan Paint and Wallpaper Co. in downtown Allegan. She was a long time Friend of the Allegan Library and a friend to animals. Surviving are her stepson, Jeffrey and Diane McElwee of Allegan and stepdaughter, Christine McElwee of North Carolina; 4 grandchildren, Craig McElwee of Allegan, Adrian Gulick and Celeste Gulick, both of North Carolina and Tim McElwee of Pennsylvania; 4 great-grandchildren, Tyler Gulick, Kassidy McElwee, Gavin McElwee and Owen McElwee; 1 cousin, Joan Hensley of Texas; 1 niece, Amy Hubbard of Minnesota. Mrs. McElwee was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, in 1992. Memorial graveside services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. at Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Twp. Fr. Corwin Stoppel from the All Saints Episcopal Church in Saugatuck officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or the Allegan District Library. Arrangements by the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel.