Shirley Carol Hogan

Shirley Carol (nee: Ross) Hogan, age 86 of South Gate, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Sunrise Senior Living Residence in La Palma, California. She was born in Huntington Park, California, the youngest of 4 children born to Grace Geraldine (Faulkner) and Claude George Ross on January 9, 1929.

Shirley attended Huntington Park High School and graduated in 1946 at which time she went to work for the telephone company. In 1953, she married John Patrick Hogan and they purchased a home in South Gate where she resided until just prior to her death. She is preceded in death by her loving husband who passed away in 1980. Shortly after John's death, she retired from the phone company.

Shirley was a very gifted lady who gave a lot of her time doing what she loved best - singing. She sang with St. Emydius Church choir for many years, even directing for a few years. Shirley's great love for singing led her to the Songspinners of the Women's Club of Downey. She also sang with The Bellflower Civic Chorus, very often singing solos. For years leading to her death, she sang with the St. Cyprian's choir in Long Beach. She thoroughly enjoyed her many years singing with the Choral Belles, an all women's singing group that participate in a yearly competition with other women's choruses statewide whose mission is to award scholarships to young and upcoming female singers to further their musical education. Shirley was the star soloist of her family when, at holiday gatherings, many songs were sung and enjoyed.

Shirley's love for her family was strong and deep. Although she and John were unable to have any children of their own, she loved and supported her many nieces and nephews and their children. She never forgot a birthday card and she always placed a joke that she had cut out of a newspaper or magazine enclosed with her card. She loved spending time with both family and friends and was much loved for her sweet nature and wonderful sense of humor.

Anyone who knew Shirley knew of her great love for cats. Her 2 cats, Socks and Liela, were with her at the time of her passing, giving her much peace. Because of this passion, she contributed to many charities, especially for animals, particularly cats. But this didn't keep her from giving to charities involving children or health issues which she did regularly.

Shirley is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 15 grandnieces and grandnephews and 12 great grandnieces and great grandnephews. Her passing will be greatly felt by many hearts, both by family and friends

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Funeraria Del Angel South Gate in South Gate. The viewing will be held from 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. on Thursday, December 17th with rosary at 7 P.M. This viewing will be held at the Funeraria Del Angel South Gate located at 8665 California Avenue, South Gate. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 18th at St. Cyprian's Church, 4714 Clark Avenue, Long Beach. The interment will follow the Mass and be at All Soul's Cemetery, 4400 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you consider donations be made in her name to PetSmart Charities. This can be done in any of the 3 following ways: on their website where the donation can be securely placed in Shirley's name: www.PetSmartCharities.com. This second manner of donation is by phone at 800-745-9460 and lastly, you can mail a check to: PetSmart Charities Gift Center, P.O. Box 96426, Washington D.C. 20090-6426

Immediately following the interment there will be a reception to honor Shirley at the Courtyard Marriott Long Beach Airport, 3841 N. Lakewood Blvd., Long Beach, CA., 90808 Ph: 562-429-5803.