Shirley Mae Wiesinger

When Shirley was very young, her parents decided to move the family to California in pursuit of a better life. As a child, Shirley attended public schools in the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas. She was especially bright in school, and was awarded a scholarship to the University of California, Santa Barbara. She was an active member in many women’s sports including volleyball, basketball, tennis, and track and field. She earned her teaching credential from UC Santa Barbara. Returning to Pasadena, Shirley became a Physical Education instructor at South Pasadena High School, and worked there until she retired.

Shirley married her college sweetheart, Jake Wiesinger, on August 8, 1957. He was also a high school instructor who taught 11th grade History at West Covina High School. They lived in Pasadena until retirement, then moved to Carlsbad. Shirley and Jake were happily married for 42 years, until his passing in 2000.

Living life to the fullest, Shirley was a world traveler, having visited every continent. She would share about her travels through postcards and unique gifts. One year, she used a picture of herself sitting on top of a camel in front of the pyramids in Egypt as her Christmas card. In a different year, she used a picture of herself swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas. Shirley was passionate about education and sought throughout her life to keep learning in various ways. She enjoyed Jazzercize, the arts (ballets, symphonies, plays, and musicals), and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog, Lacey. Shirley was also an avid consumer of news, both in print and television, especially PBS, and followed politics closely.

Shirley will be remembered for her warmth, love, patience, caring manner, generosity, always being upbeat and positive, love of travel, acceptance of all people and cultures, and her beautiful smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, and is survived by her beloved nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

The family would like to thank the nurses, physicians and nursing assistants at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla who cared for Shirley compassionately in her final days, especially, Dr. Rebecca T. Armendariz.

Family and friends are invited to honor Shirley’s life on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, Peacehaven Lot 209, Space 7. Bring a chair, lunch, and drink. Let’s gather and share some favorite stories and memories, as we celebrate the beautiful life of Shirley, a life well-lived, and a person we miss and will always carry in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirley’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at: alz.org.