Age 95, of St. Paul, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. She was born in Drake ND, raised in Bismarck, New York City, and Minneapolis. A gifted violinist and pioneer in the classical music world, Shirley attended St Olaf College & graduated from the University of Minnesota. After beginning her professional violin career with the Hormel All-Girl Orchestra she went on to perform with symphonic orchestras nationwide—often one of only a few women in the ensemble. She later returned to the Twin Cities, where she was concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis for over 40 years.

A passionate educator and chamber musician, Shirley treasured her class of violin students, in whom she engendered a true love of music. She was active in Thursday Musical, Schubert Club, WAMSO, SAI, Norway House and other cultural organizations too numerous to encapsulate here. Most cherished was her musical partnership with her beloved husband, pianist Michael Santoro, with whom she performed and recorded widely.

Preceded in death by her parents, Sigvald and Hazel Lillehaugen; sister, Ardis Nordland; and first husband, Frederick Thomson Sr. She is survived by husband, Michael Santoro; children, Frederick Thomson Jr. (Allyson) and Kathleen Thomson (Bill Moss); and her beloved grandchildren, Cooper Thomson, Eric and Julia Moss.

Visitation Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., followed by a light lunch, all at Como Park Lutheran Church, 1376 Hoyt Ave., St. Paul.

Memorials preferred to Norway House, Como Park Lutheran Church, Thursday Musical, or the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis.

Kessler & Mcguire Funeral Home651-224-2341