Shirley Allison Rielly

Shirley was born on May 25, 1925 in Tucson, Arizona to John Wendell Despain and Esther Clark Despain. Shirley is preceded in death by her brother John Wendell DeSpain II.

Shirley was married to United States Marine Elgin Ervin Ferguson from June 14,1942 till his death December 15,1961. Shirley and Elgin had two children, Wendell (Wendy) Kathyrn Mahnke and William James Ferguson and they resided in Oceanside, California. Shirley again married to Dr. William Edward Rielly DDS from December 30, 1976 till his death on September 5, 1999.

As a young girl in Arizona, Shirley was very active in girl scouts and when she got older she and her daughter were active in camp fire girls in Oceanside. She was also involved in little league with her son and with both children in their schools. Shirley worked on B-24's in Tucson with her mother and at the consolidated vultee in San Diego during WWII. Shirley was a very talented woman, she could knit, crochet or sew anything from making a christening dress for her granddaughters to baby booties, sweater sets for anyone having a baby and a wedding dress for one granddaughter. Family was Shirley's main importance in her life and she loved them as much they loved her.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Wendy Mahnke of San Diego (Doug- deceased/ Ben Speck) and her son Bill Ferguson of Oceanside (Sherri) and 3 step children. Shirley has 5 granddaughters, Kimberly, Marcella, Meghan, Erin and Jessica along with 7 great-granddaughters, Kathyrn, Brittany, April, Sarah, Rozlyn, Rebecca and Ashley. Shirley is also survived by one niece Mary Rose of Tucson, Arizona (Tom).

We will always remember Shirley as a very loving daughter, sister, mother, Nana, great-Nana, aunt and friend.

Special thank you to Trishan Hall and her staff for all the care they gave Shirley and Hospice of North County.

In lieu of flowers make donations to The World War II Memorial, P.O. Box 96766, Washington, DC, 20090-6766 in memory of Shirley A. Rielly.