Shirley Irene Hopkins Schnell

Shirley Irene (Hopkins) Schnell passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2012, at the age of 76, surrounded by her loving children. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to many and will be greatly missed. She had a love for life and always had dreams to share!

Shirley was born on May 30, 1935 in Austin, Texas at the old Seton Hospital being a fifth generation. Survived by her brother, Glynn (Ace) Hopkins; children & their spouses, grandchildren & their spouses; & great-grandchildren: Debby Bowie from Garfield, Susan & Trey Wattinger from West Lake Hills, Cheryl Brownlow & Leroy Kroll from Hutto, Kenny & Vicki Schnell from Austin, Jason Schnell from Round Rock; Dominick, Adrian & Traci, Kristopher, Jonathon & Yazmine Taubert; Matthew & Yovela, Kaitlyn Kelly; Hunter, Amy Wattinger; Cody Brownlow; Steven, Jeremy Longoria; Jake, Colton Schnell; Zach, Ashton, Kaidan, Konnor, Ashley Taubert; Noah Brownlow; Ashlyn Kelly.

Shirley went to Ridge Top Elementary & Fulmore Junior High. She graduated from Austin High at the age of 16 and stayed in touch with some of her classmates through the years up to the time of her passing. They enjoyed each others’ company by spending time playing dominos, going boating, eating at each other’s home and eating out. Thanks for the memories…she loved you all!

Mom and dad’s 1st date was in high school, swimming at Deep Eddy Pool. She kiddingly pushed him in the deep water not knowing he didn’t know how to swim. It blossomed into a beautiful courtship and they married on June 27, 1953. They had 51 beautiful & memorable years together until dad passed in 2004.

When 1st married, she worked for DPS; then, from 1969 to 1979 she owned the Carrousel Shoppe, the Candle Shoppe, and the Gift Shoppe at the 1st indoor mall in South Austin – Southwood Mall. She worked for the Travis County Extension Office, Travis County Courthouse, Farmer’s Insurance, Travis Rehab Commission (TRC), and Disability Assistive Rehabilitation Services (DARS) retiring in 2006. She enjoyed being with her co-workers and spending time with her neighbors.

Shirley started through Sunday School performing puppet shows, then being a clown for school carnivals, children birthday parties & eventually being in the Professional Book of Magic and Clowns. Making others smile and laugh was her zest of life!

She was very active in church throughout her life until it was difficult for her to get around. Shirley faced many health challenges with courage and dignity, and she leaves a legacy of love and inspiration. She was a true artist and very creative in every way. She expressed herself through painting beautiful paintings and sharing them with all to admire! She loved Austin and her “Horns”!

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Arlan (Tubby) Schnell and parents, Glynn (Ace) & Blanche (Childress) Hopkins.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to all of the wonderful physicians, nurses, RTs & staff in the ICU at St. David’s Round Rock Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012, 11am at the First Baptist Church at Round Rock, 306 Round Rock Avenue, 78664. Arrangements by Austin Cremations. Burial at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to the American Heart Association or extend a random act of kindness.

To share memories with the family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparksmemorial.com.