Shirley Jean Swanson Bubar

On March 1, 2025, Shirley Bubar fell asleep peacefully in her bed and woke up in the arms of Jesus. Shirley was renowned for her sweet spirit and beaming smile, and her life was a testament to her deep faith and love for others.

Born November 18, 1941, in the suburbs of Beloit, Wisconsin to Ebba (Nilson) and Ray Swanson. Shirley grew up in a strong Swedish Community. As a young teen, Shirley made the most important decision of her life: to accept Jesus as her personal Savior. That moment defined the rest of her life.

After graduating from high school, she attended Beloit College where she studied Secretarial Administration, becoming a proficient typer and note take. At a friend’s invitation, she joined the summer staff on Word of Life Island, an opportunity that became a full-time job on their team. She served as secretary for the ministry director, and in her later year she marveled at the fact that she had been responsible for typing the transcripts of all of Jack Wyrtzen’s radio broadcasts-sometimes two a day.

It was while on staff that she met Paul Bubar, the love of her life, who became her husband of 57 years. Together they traveled the world, sharing the love of Christ and serving others wherever they went. Shirley always said that she was “just a nobody” who gave God what little time she had, and in return, God did extraordinary things with it. 

Shirley passed away just as she lived: surrounded by the love that she gave to so many. She was predeceased by he parents, her brother William Swanson, her husband Paul Bubar and her son Daniel Bubar. She is survived by three of her children, Davidd (Tara) Bubar of Schenectady, Jonathan (Cheryl) Bubar of Schroon Lake, and Sarah (Alan) Dever of Pottersville, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15th, 2025, at Mountainside Bible Chapel in Schroon Lake, NY at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to join in celebrating the beautiful life of this remarkable woman who touched so many with her faith, generosity, and love.