Shirley was born February 16, 1935 in Fresno, CA to Vasken and Lorena Simonian. She attended Madison Elementary where she excelled and was advanced to the next grade up which led her to graduate from Central High School one year early. While at Central High School, she participated in the school softball team and also played for the Fresno Rockets. Shirley wrote for the Grizzly Gazette school paper and was coed Varsity C Treasurer.
Shirley married Leo Bringetto in 1952 and together shared three children, Debbie, Theresa and Mark. She helped on her family ranch, sorting and packing vegetables. As a little girl, she liked playing store which may have led to her working at Potters Drug Store and then See’s Candy where she started at the age of 58 and retiring 20 years later.
She was preceded in death by her husband Leo; her parents Vasken and Lorena; brothers Peter and Robert Simonian; her son Mark and granddaughter Nicole Dunn.
Shirley is survived by her daughters Debbie Nunn, Theresa Dunn and her husband Kevin Leach and her honorary daughter Cyndy Nelson; grandsons James Dunn and his wife Tammy and Derek Nunn; granddaughter Tiffany Apodaca and her husband Tony; 7 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Shirley was always up for a challenge. She loved roller skating, the beach, kayaking, catching a wave at Laguna Beach and more recently becoming a computer mahjong player. She also enjoyed working in her yard and garden and was gifted with a green thumb.
Shirley will be remembered for her compassion to put others first and care for those she loved. She cherished her grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments and the outstanding individuals they have become. Shirley passed onto her children and grandchildren her unrelenting strength and perseverance and always and foremost the love of family.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Saint Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Bringetto family.
