Shirley Jeanne Cawley

Born on August 21, 1927 to Clarence and Glenn Monson, Shirley spent her younger years growing up in San Diego. As a senior at Hoover High School, she would attend the Saturday night dances held at the local San Diego Women’s Club. It’s there where she spotted her future husband Richard “Dick” Cawley across the dance floor. They would court for the next 5 years while Dick went into the service and then off to college in San Luis Obispo. While there, Shirley would frequently make the trip by train from San Diego to visit him.

Following his graduation, Shirley and Dick married on July 22, 1950. They moved to Long Beach and had their first of five children, Susan. The three moved to Downey in 1953 where they continued to add to, and raise, their family over the years. Shirley and Dick had four more children: Michael, Donald, Joanie and Katie.

While raising her family, Shirley was involved in numerous charitable organizations. She was a faithful member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and active in the Church Women’s Guild. She was very involved with the Women’s Club of Downey and held several different positions on the Board. With others in the city, she helped to found the Downey Chapter of the City of Hope. While very active with this chapter, she produced and published their highly successful “Who’s Cooking What” Cookbook. The Kidney Foundation was also close to her heart as she volunteered numerous hours helping with this organization. She played an instrumental part as a member of the founding committee to develop Furman Park and was active in the Northwest Downey Little League. In addition to being in a number of bridge groups, her favorite was the “Gourmet Club”. Her love of cooking led her to teach cooking classes in her home and start a catering business. She loved watching Julia Child and if the Food Network had existed, we think Shirley would have been a star.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 64 years Richard, her five children: Susan Stratton, Michael Cawley, Donald (Marilyn) Cawley, Joanie (Geoff) Brooks, Katie Cawley; Grandchildren: Lindsay Stratton, Hayden Cawley, Wyatt Cawley, Joseph Brooks and Emily Brooks; along with many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller-Mies Mortuary, Downey, CA.