Shirley Ann Gintz, age 91, passed away on October 17, 2021 in Portland, OR. Shirley was born on January 24, 1930 in Ossian, IA to Seval and Alice Bergland. Shirley graduated from Ossian High School and received a Degree in Education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She married Bill Gintz on December 27, 1954 and had 3 children. She and Bill spent their early married years in Iowa and Illinois but eventually moved to Portland where they lived for over 50 years.
Shirley was a kind, positive, and compassionate woman - She was a devout Catholic, always had a smile on her face, and brought a positive attitude to every interaction. Shirley was a teacher for over 40 years, spending the majority of her career teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Harvey Scott Elementary School in Portland. She was a great friend and mentor to many of her teaching colleagues, and was known to be a “tough but fair” teacher to all her students, challenging them to believe in themselves and be the best they could be. Shirley was a proud member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Women’s Teachers Society, Phi Delta Kappa & Oregon Retired Educators Organizations, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Shirley had a deep love for family and friends. She was an avid knitter making blankets and caps for friends, family, and people in need. She also loved reading, spending as much time as she could with family, and traveling to Hawaii with her husband Bill and family.
Shirley is survived by her son Craig (Mana) - grandchildren Gavin, Mana Michelle, and William; daughter Susan Livingston (Mike) - grandchildren Grant and Jeff; and son Walter (Kristi) - grandchildren Riley, Emma, and Kamryn.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 30th, at All Saints Catholic Church in Portland. In-lieu of flowers please donate to SnowCap Community Charities or a charity of your choice.
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