Shirley B. Bacca

Born in Hollister, California May 25, 1931 to loving parents, George Ozro and Lila Janett Bethers Smith. Married Avelino “Lee” Bacca December 29, 1967. Together they worked, loved and shared a life of devotion.

Shirley never stopped working, whether it was for Bakers Shoes, Cudahy, United Airlines, Western Airlines, or in the betterment of Family, service to her community or neighbors. She worked tirelessly on the Rose Park Community Council, and Neighborhood Watch. She teamed up with neighbor, Cal Fisher and for years cleaned up graffiti before the paint was even dry in the Rose Park area. Shirley was active politically, serving on the Deedee Corradini Mayoral campaign, with Grandchildren in tow, showing them the right way to master the honk and wave. Shirley took every opportunity to share her passion of community service with her grandchildren, leading by example, involving as many of them as she could in her activities to promote a better place to live and serve. Lee and Shirley took great pride in their beautiful home, meticulously manicured, inside and out, and at Christmas time decorating with wonderful neighbors for the Carousel Christmas Street lighting event. Every Friday, Shirley could be seen walking her little dog Maddie, taking in all the neighbors’ garbage cans. With a huge grin she would say. ”I’m the garbage lady”.

Shirley and Lee was avid Utes fan, along with dear friends Coral and Jim Coffey, Pat and Kathy Bacca tailgating and following each game with vim and vigor. She was everyone’s’ favorite to watch a Utah Jazz game with.

Her home was a sanctuary for everyone, not a soul ever left hungry without hands and hearts full of gifts and memories. She cared for the sick and never forgot the needy amongst us. Shirley developed her own form of “compassionate service” weeding flower beds, cleaning gutters and other acts of kindness for neighbors who couldn’t. There was always a bed to sleep in and many kind words. When anyone needed help, “yes” was always the answer.

So we said goodbye to our Mom, Grandma, Aunt Honey and friend who left us early Thursday morning. She deserved peace from the ravages of Alzheimer’s, and her longing for her dear Lee, and other loved ones has been remedied. Peace was granted. Shirley Bacca was incredible... bright, strong, loving, hilarious, (She never stopped teasing all of us about our 'love life') supportive, warm, graceful, vibrant, tough, classy, capable, caring, thoughtful... and absolutely a force for good and happiness in the lives of so many. She will forever remind us that the important things are always simple, and are never so far away as a hug from Grandma. We all owe her a debt of gratitude. We love you Shirley Bacca, Bacca Bacca!. May you enjoy your long awaited reunion with all your loved ones that have been longing for your presence.

Survived by daughters, Suzanne Dansie Miller and Michelle (Hector) Bacca Llamas; sister, Beverly (Earl) Markham; daughter-in-law, Susan K. Dansie; sisters-in-law, Margie Smith, Joh Willey, and Cecelia (Val) Edwards; brother-in-law, Patrick (Kathy) Bacca; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, all adored and cherished.

Predeceased by her parents, husband, son, Steven Lee Dansie, son-in-law Jerry Miller, brothers Bobby G. Smith, and Blaine O. Smith, and sister Verna Turner.

Our gratitude and appreciation to the Right at Home Staff, Beehive Homes West Jordan and IHC Hospice for their kind and loving care, which enabled Shirley to continue her life with dignity.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., Valley View Memorial Funeral Home 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, and on Wednesday, December 21, 10:00 -10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.