Today is the three year anniversary of Aunt Shirleys passing. As I read through the memories once again, it was hard to see that we had lost four more members of our family, including her sister (my mom) Helen, my dad Jack, cousin Joanna and her husband Mike. I, too, nearly lost my life last year. It reminds me that Aunt Shirley was so incredibly good at making every moment count and of creating joyful, sweet memories. I was doing a guided relaxation a few weeks ago and was struggling when I felt first my mother at my right shoulder and then Aunt Shirley at my left, lending me strength and comfort. It was so powerful. I felt them both so strongly. Spirit remains, spirit strengthens and sweet memories lift our spirits when times are tough. Love you Aunt Shirley!!

Shirley was our wonderful and loving neighbor (just across the street) for the past 38 years. I will not be at the grave side service
due to mobility issues. However, I will be there in spirit with prayers and loving memories. She has missed Jim so much since his passing and now they may be re-united.  

Aunt Shirley was the most loving, welcoming, funny and fun loving aunt a niece could have. Having the agreement between her and my mom Helen to make sure that the families got together once if not twice a year meant that we did a lot of station wagon long trips to Southern California that were followed as we got older by solo trips via plane.  I remember visiting and always coming home with memories…watching the grunion run, Mexican meals in Old Town, visits to Sea Word and the Zoo, ice cream at Farrell’s and relaxing at home. The highlight for me was an amazing trip with Shirley, Jim and Suzi to Europe when I was fifteen.  What an eye-opening experience to travel such a long way with such seasoned travelers.  Every day was an adventure as we traveled from England to the Netherlands and traveling through Denmark to close to the Arctic Circle in Norway to trace family roots in little towns Mosjoen and Mo I Rana.  Experiencing day trains, night trains and sleeper trains with our EuroRail passes and marveling at the scenery as we passed by. The food was amazing…from fish filled buffets and the best Halibut I have ever tasted in Norway to Rijsttafel in Amsterdam and Smorrebrod in Copenhagen and pastry in Paris.
And all along the weeks of traveling Shirley remained upbeat, curious and excited to be there which buoyed our party of four as we traveled staying at homes a la AirBnB and small hotels.  It was for me a trip of a lifetime that opened my eyes to the world outside of the US and showed that traveling could be fun and exciting…so I have much to thank Shirley for allowing me to accompany them.
As one gets older and grows into the experiences that we see those around us live it is amazing to be in the same time shoes and reflect back on how joyful Shirley was at all ages.  I wish I could be as positive as she was!  So many thanks for the great memories….the positive role model…special Christmas treats…we shall miss you!!

Dear Family; So very sad to hear that our dear Aunt Shirley has passed on. I know that the angles are welcoming her home. I also know that our beloved Uncle Jim and all of their animals have been waiting for her and she will have a grand reunion with them. I will miss her soft spoken voice, putting puzzles together, and her love of the dogs she shared her life with. Mom always looked forward to going back to California during the summer and spending time with Aunt Shirley and Uncle Jim. I have very fond memories of Aunt Shirley and will miss her for the rest of my life. Sending all my love and blessings to the rest of the family. All our love 💕 Mike and JoAnna Garner.

Aunt Shirley was love. Pure and simple love which she showed day in and day out to her family. Almost every favorite memory of my childhood involve her. Those special summertime visits when we flew down to San Diego on PSA jets (always a thrill!) with stewardesses who wore miniskirts.  She and Jim always met us at the airport with hugs and love. I’ve never known anyone to be so connected to children. We had so many, many adventures to Disney, the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Beach, trail rides, shows, eating at the Spaghetti Factory. Everyday was a fun adventure. One of my most special memories was celebrating my birthday at Farrell’s restaurant as a giant bowl of ice cream was raced to our table with bells, songs and sirens. I had no idea it was for me. What a joyful surprise. 

Yet, it is also the quiet moments that resonate. She and I sitting on the back porch watching a lightning storm sweep across the hillside. Laughing hysterically while trying to make Snow In The Clouds pudding as the beaters sent egg whites across the kitchen.  Floating in the pool in her back yard. Standing for what felt like hours in line at a theater to see the first showing of Star Wars. What a joy she was.

I believe in angels. Shortly after she passed, I swear I felt her fly into my room with a joyful whisper of “I’m still here.” And she is. In every single one of us, she is still here, still present. May we all honor her memory be making our homes happy and joyful. I can’t wait to hug her again… with gratitude and love for everything that she has given to me. 

Thank you Suzi for all that you’ve done for her. I was with you in spirit!

Shirley was a very special sister. She was the “middle child” of our family. Though she was often eclipsed by  the needs and demands of her oldest sister  (me) and her younger sister (Mary), she was always filled with joy. Her good nature, her kindness, caring and concern for others is not only how she lived as a child, but how she affected so many others as a mother, grandmother, aunt and teacher.  

Shirley was very bright. After graduating from college and graduate school Summa Cum Lauda and with a Phi Beta Key, she became a very accomplished and talented teacher. 

Her home was filled with love. I relished the chance to visit and spend some time with her. Her home was a sanctuary, a place where I could escape some of my daily stresses and get much needed respite as a mom. We spent many nights talking while our children were asleep and these memories are a balm to my soul.  

Shirley was a lovable Mary Poppins to all of her nieces, nephews and grand daughters. They loved to visit because she always extended herself to create fun and joyful adventures and memories, including: many visits of Disneyland, musicals & plays, bobsledding in the snow, trips to the wildflowers, trail rides, boating and, on occasion, traveling abroad. 

There is no better example of Shirley’s love then when she assumed care for Mary who had been terribly injured in a car accident. Shirley stepped in again when our mother Betty retired and moved to Chula Vista and this was no easy task. Our mom was very demanding at times and developed dementia. Shirley continued to do everything that she could to make our mother’s life bearable. I am so grateful for everything that she did in such a difficult circumstance. 

I cannot say enough about my dear sister Shirley. She was a family treasure and I am so thankful to have been part of her family. I am sure that she’s dancing with Jim and watching over us all. 

Thank you Suzi for all that you’ve done! We love you!

Aunt Shirley and Uncle Jim have always been so very loving and kind to me. I always felt as if I was at home when I was with them. I have deep fond memories of being at their home when Suzi got married and getting a tummy ache because of all the goodies. What a great time. My family came from Texas and we went to Disney. They hosted us and treated us so well with so much love. When I saw Aunt Shirley’s picture all I could think of was her kindness, her grace and her exceptional love.

Shirley was my step dad, Lee’s, aunt. I went with her sister to California when I was 13 and met Aunt Shirley and Uncle Jim for the first time. They took me to DisneyLand, which is the only time I’ve been but it’s a trip I will never forget. When my mom, Darla, told me she passed I was saddened by this news. May the Lord give you all strength, comfort and peace in this sad time. In Jesus name, amen.  With Love, Jill (Jenkins) Lambert

OBITUARY

Shirley Ann Fortner

20 February, 1932 – 25 March, 2022

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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