Shirley Hessen-Campbell

Shirley Marie (Mary) Hessen-Campbell passed away on September 11, 2026, at 12:32 p.m., surrounded by her loving family and friends. She fought hard until the end, and her son Jacob was blessed to hold her hand as she took her final breath.

Shirley was known by many names—Shirley, Mary, Auntie, Aunt Mary, and, to many who were not related to her by blood, simply Mom or Sis. She had a remarkable ability to create friendships and make people feel like family.

Shirley moved to California in 1975, eventually settling in Los Angeles County, where she built many cherished friendships and memories. She later made her home in Colorado, where she quickly developed a deep affection for her neighbors and community. Her beloved Bernedoodle, Jazzy, was often at her side and helped bring many of her neighbors into her life.

Family was at the heart of Shirley's life. Some of her happiest memories were watching her boys play baseball, from their early T-ball days onward. She also carried a deep and enduring love for her son, James Derick, whose passing was one of her most painful chapters. Shirley often shared memories of James because she wanted others to remember him and keep his memory alive. As she wrote, “Losing my beloved son has been my greatest heartache; having had him in my life has been my greatest joy.”

Shirley also cherished the memory of her husband, Richard. She considered it an honor to have shared their life together for 28 years and treasured the memories they made as a family. Richard was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend who dedicated many years to volunteering with local baseball and football programs. His kindness, love of family, and commitment to his community were qualities Shirley deeply admired and carried with her throughout her life.

A lifelong lover of plants and horticulture, Shirley studied horticulture and business at Fullerton College and horticultural therapy through HTI/Colorado State University. She spent more than 30 years with GTE/Verizon before later working as a Vector Control Specialist III with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

Beyond her career, Shirley will be remembered for her compassion and willingness to help. Whether helping a lost dog find its family, gathering supplies for people affected by Colorado wildfires, caring for her plants, or simply checking on a friend, Shirley believed in taking the time to help others.

She found joy in life's simple moments—her early morning routines, gardening, breakfast and tea on her patio, sharing an afternoon fishing near the water with her family, watching the seasons change, her Dodgers, and especially being with the people she loved.

Shirley is survived by her amazing son Jacob, her adored grandson Aiden James, her brothers Henry and Bobby, sisters Linda, Rose, Elaine, and sister-in-law Nancy, her many nieces and nephews, extended family, cherished friends, and neighbors.

Shirley's life was filled with love, loss, friendship, service, and countless memories. She taught those around her to appreciate the people we love, to help when we can, and to cherish the moments we are given.

She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Her laughter, humor, kindness, and the love she shared with others will live on in the memories of all who knew her.

Memorial and Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at Imperial Gardens in Pueblo, Colorado at 2:00 pm on October 14th a small reception to follow. An additional Celebration of life will be held in California at a later date. Details of that celebration will be shared with family and friends at a later date.