Shirley Elaine Browne, 86, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Truewood Assisted Living in Boise. Born in Meridian, Idaho to Ernie and Eva Bench, Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Gerald “Jerry” Browne. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warm heart and vibrant spirit touched everyone she met.
After a fulfilling career with the Boise Police Department, Shirley retired in 2002 to travel the country with Jerry. She often recounted with a smile how Jerry teased, “If you don’t want to retire, that’s ok. I’ll send you a postcard!” Together they explored nearly every major National Park in the United States as well as many historic sites and attractions. As devoted snowbirds, they spent winters in Lake Havasu and summers between Island Park and Boise. Following Jerry’s passing in 2017, Shirley made their Boise home her permanent residence.
Known affectionately as a social butterfly, Shirley made friends wherever she went. She and Jerry were lifelong members of the Fraternal Order of Elks and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She especially enjoyed her time at the VFW visiting with old friends and making new ones. Another of her great passions was the Boise Hawks; she attended as many games as possible and was a beloved figure at the stadium, where “everyone knew Shirley.”
She is survived by her children, David Browne (Joanne) of Ramona, California, and Troy Browne (Sara) of Boise, Idaho; her aunt Jean Fuller, grandchildren Sydney Aylward (Ryan) and Jay “Trent” Browne; and great-grandson Pierce Aylward. In addition to her immediate family, Shirley shared a deep and loving bond with many of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from Jerry’s previous marriage, whom she cherished as her own.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her parents Ernie and Eva Bench, her sister Donna Jones, her uncle James “Jim” Fuller, uncle Wayne Campbell and grandparents Louis and Goldie Campbell.
In accordance with her wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Her family takes comfort knowing she has been reunited with her beloved Jerry and the many loved ones who preceded her. Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, her joyful spirit, and the countless friendships she cultivated throughout her life.
