Grace J Shirley

Grace was born in Los Banos, CA to Pete & Theresa Montemurro. She was a wonderful sister to her younger sister, Annette Marques. Grace met the love of her life, George R. Shirley, Jr. at Los Banos High School & they were married in June of 1943. Grace worked at the Ration Board in Los Banos, while George was fighting in World War II.

They welcomed their first son, Father Ronald Shirley, in 1946, followed by another boy, Georgie, who died of cancer at the age of 3. Their third child was a girl, Renette Shirley Bronken, followed by a fourth child, a boy who died at birth.

Even with these tremendous losses in her young life, Grace's faith in God and the power of prayer and her daily rosary grew stronger in the face of great personal tragedies.

Grace was a wonderful and caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt known as "Nanie Grace".

She was famous for her excellent cooking and baking skills, both Italian and "Oakie Recipes" taught to her by her mother and mother-in-law, Dora "Granny" Shirley, and many cousins. Grace loved to be the "gracious" host to so many relatives and friends and many clergy over her entire life. Even as her memory declined, we were amazed that her gift of hospitality remained a constant, as she always tried to offer us food or money at all visits. She also began to speak Italian again to her beloved grandson Nicholas Bronken.

Grace worked later in life at Los Banos High School for a food vending machine company, where she became a cherished friend and confidante to many students, and she loved her friend & coworker, Katie Marques.

After living in Los Banos all of her life, George & Grace moved to Salinas, CA in 1968 to buy a Dairy Queen, which was a great success. Later they moved to Aptos, CA to semi-retire, eventually moving to Turlock to help care for their grandson, Nick.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, George Shirley, her parents, Pietro & Theresa Montemurro, her son-in-law, Dr. Robert Bronken Sr., two young sons, her brother-in-law Alvin Marques, her in laws, George & Dora Shirley, and many first cousins and long-time friends.

She is survived by her sister, Annette Marques of Los Banos, her children Father Ron Shirley of Los Altos, and Renette Bronken of Turlock., and grandson Nick Bronken of Hughson.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to St. Thomas Assisted Living 2937 N. Berkley Ave, Turlock.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD504), Turlock, CA.