Shirley J. Abernathy

Shirley J. Abernathy, 66 of Rolling Meadows was born August 25, 1949 in Salem, Oregon and passed away September 24, 2015. Shirley worked for K-Mart in Arlington Heights for 25 years as a check-out supervisor, in the patio department and in the cashier’s office. She joined Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) in 1999 in the Human Resources Department. Shirley found a unique and personal way to make a difference for patients, visitors and staff as an ambassador for NCH’s Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program. Shirley leaves a lasting impression of energy, humor, laughter and friendship with all in her life. Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Allan R. Abernathy; daughter of Joyce Veach and the late Thomas Stettler; sister of Peggy (Elmer) Causey; sister-in-law of Joyce Mackert; half sister of Dana and David Veach; aunt of Kimberly Causey and Angela Veach; great-aunt of Erica (Anthony) Collier and Hailey Christianson and cousin of many in California whom she loved dearly. Shirley is also survived by many best friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 29, 2015 from 9:00 AM until time of funeral service 11:00 AM at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights. Entombment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to As Good As Gold Foundation, P.O. Box 533, Wheeling, IL 60090 or Northwest Community Healthcare Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program, 800 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 appreciated.