Eleanor Freeman Shirley

A resident of Baton Rouge and a lifelong advocate for women's and children's rights, she died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, while vacationing in Rome. She was born and raised in Adams, Mass., and moved to Baton Rouge in the late 1960s. Visitation in the parlor of St. James Episcopal Church, on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. until religious services in the church at 11 a.m., conducted by the Right Rev. Charles Jenkins, retired Episcopal bishop of Louisiana, and the Rev. Charles Wood. Burial in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Survived by daughter, Rebecca Shirley Barrilleaux; sister, Joanne Greenspun; son-in-law, Troy Barrilleaux; and grandson, River Barrilleaux. She received a bachelor of arts degree from Wheaton College, a master of arts from Hartford Theological Seminary and a master of business administration from Tulane University. She was past president of the League of Women Voters as well as the YWCA. She had worked more than 30 years in Louisiana state government coordinating family violence programs. She recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, chairing the Outreach Committee and serving on the Associate Vestry. She did extensive volunteer work within the community, including the United Way. She also served on the Diocesan Board of Episcopal Community Services and was a member of the American Association of University Women and the Women's Council of Greater Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana, 1623 Seventh St., New Orleans, LA 70115. Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., is in charge of arrangements.