Shirley Ann Lambert Concannon

Shirley Ann Lambert Concannon died at home Saturday May 14, 2011. Shirley was born to Guy M. and Madeline Lambert in Newton, Iowa on April 6, 1921. She had an older sister and two younger brothers. She often remarked about her happy childhood surrounded by a loving family and extended family of Lambert Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her father built and operated a dairy and ice cream company, where Shirley liked to dip ice cream cones. Shirley attended Lincoln Elementary and Newton Junior and Senior high schools. After her graduation her father moved the dairy to Des Moines, Iowa. Shirley attended Iowa State University at Ames, Iowa, receiving a BS degree in foods and nutrition. She then married William Walston Walter, an airline pilot, who was assigned to the air transport command. He served four years in air bases at Ph nix, Arizona and San Bernadino, California. After the second world war she returned to Des Moines for a few years and then moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Shirley had two sons, David Brian Walter and Douglas Paul Walter. She was later divorced and returned to college at the University of Missouri Kansas City completing a BA degree in Sociology and a MA in Psychology. She continued graduate school in a Ph.D. program. During these years she worked for the city of Kansas City on the bookmobile. Later as a social worker for the county, setting up social services at the county jail and women's reformatory, introducing Group Therapy new at the time. While in graduate school, she headed up federal government pilot project for releasing state mental patients to a program of halfway houses, sheltered workshop and counseling. This was a four year program. Shirley moved in with her parents in Homestead, Florida in 1980 to care for her father. After her father died she remained with her mother until hurricane Andrew destroyed their home. They returned to Des Moines, Iowa. Shirley came to the Longmont area when she cared for her terminally ill daughter-in-law, Carole, in Niwot, also caring for her son, Douglas and her grandchildren. After her daughter-in-laws' demise she moved to Longmont to stay close to her son and his family. Shirley always said she was 'born' into the Methodist church as this was the center of her life. She belonged and was very active in Methodist Church of Newton, Iowa; First United Methodist of Des Moines, Iowa; Melrose Methodist of Kansas City, Missouri; Silver Palm Methodist of Perrine, Florida and First United Methodist of Longmont. In Longmont she became a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader. She also coordinated the telephone prayer chain. She met and married Albert Bart Concannon on February 11, 1996. Bart was also in the Stephen Ministry and Leadership program. Though 75 and 80 years old at the time, they found a truly loving and fulfilling relationship, filled with joy and laughter. Shirley had many interests. Organic gardening was her passion; she had a garden whenever it was possible. Reading was her way of life, always eager to read more. Over the years Shirley became a proficient weaver, having a small hand loom, then two larger ones and eventually a large floor loom to weave rugs. She was an enthusiastic water skier and swimmer and she loved to sail. She was active in Cub Scouts as a Den Mother for both of her sons, Scouting, Red Cross, United Fund drives, camping, hiking and traveling. Shirley loved to cook for family, friends and church functions. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, PEO Sisterhood Chapter V of Des Moines, Iowa. Pre-deceasing Shirley are her parents and her brother, David. David was killed during World war Two. His cross is in the Punch Bowl Cemetery in Hawaii. She is survived by her husband; a sister, Louise Zeigler of Irvine, California, a brother, William Lambert and his wife Sally of Des Moines; her sons: David Walter and his wife Ellen of Seattle, Washington, Douglas Walter and his wife Beth of Boulder, Colorado, his children: daughter, Leah in Lafayette and son Ira of Seattle, Washington and her sons Nate and Ryan Behl. Nieces: Sherily Zeigler of Laguna Niguel, California, Meredith Zeigler of Irvine, California, Corrine Lambert of Des Moines, Julie Bright also Des Moines, Sara Rosene of Kremling, Colorado. Step-Granddaughter, Patricia Gray her husband, Robert, and sons Samuel and James Gray of Lafayette, Colorado. Shirley's cremains will be interred in the Lambert Plot in the Newton Union Cemetery in Newton, Iowa, where four generations of Lamberts are buried. There will be a memorial service by Chaplain Beatrice Thompson, 2:00 PM Tuesday May 17 at First United Methodist Church, 350 11th Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Heartland Hospice 8774 Yates Drive #100 Westminster, CO 80031, P.E.O. Chapter V c/o Diane Willey, 5708 NW 66th Ave Johnston, IA 50131 or First United Methodist Church, 350 11th Ave Longmont, CO 80501.