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Shirley Rae McGinnis

Shirley McGinnis Obituary

Shirley Rae McGinnis

Shirley was born on January 31, 1934 in Salem, Oregon and passed away February 6, 2011.
Aunt Shirley moved to Bothell, WA in December of 2006 from Berkeley, CA to be near family because of her declining health. Shirley resided at the Mill Creek Adult Family Home and was treated with great respect and caring. I thank the entire staff and owner of this facility - what a wonderful gift they are for our elderly.
Shirley never married or had children, but she was a fabulous teacher of elementary school-aged children for over 40 years in CA.
She leaves behind Nancy Schwantes (Larry), Stephen Davis (Wanda), Michael Davis (Kathy), Scott Davis (Sherry), and many great- nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn; her father, Shelby; and her one and only sibling, Patricia McGinnis (Davis).
My heartfelt thanks to Swedish Hospital Edmonds, especially Dr. Gould and the staff attending my aunt on the 3rd Floor PCU. They were all very caring and understanding, standing with me through some really tough decisions that I had to make.
A private Memorial Service will take place in the Spring with close family honoring Aunt Shirley's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) on Feb. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley McGinnis

19 Entries

Elizabeth Bremer

March 11, 2011

Shirley was a gifted teacher and a gift of a friend. She taught me the art of cooking at seminars – being present and supporting all that can “cook” besides food as people wander into the kitchen to help or to talk. And the art of self-care for a cook. I was studying forgiveness and Shirley shared with me a metaphor for her own courageous personal work. She said, “I had an image of myself as being one of those vases that are found on archaeological digs – all the pieces weren’t even there. There were really jagged holes. Then there came a point when all the pieces were there, but you could still see the cracks. And now I don’t see myself as a perfect vessel, but I see myself as whole…” It was a wholeness expressed in her smile and in her eyes through which she conveyed genuine appreciation for the beauty and wholeness in each person, with no expectation of perfection. Again modeling courage and creativity, after retirement she published a memoir of her teaching, titled “Sometimes Love Is Enough”, with a brilliantly quilted heart on the cover, and filled with moments of inspiration given and received in the classroom. She enlivened so much for so many. I am so grateful to have known her, and to share in her legacy.

Karen Matlock-Lenhart

March 9, 2011

Miss McGinnis was the best teacher I ever had. My home life was very troubled and I was happy to go to school each day to see my friend and mentor. She nurtured my love of poetry, encouraging me to read and write it. She sent huge books of poetry, she had written home with me! She trusted me and I trusted her. At one point she lent me her copy of HOWL. My parents found it and returned it to her with lots of mean words ( I was 13) but it was okay, I read it first. This teacher lives in me.

March 8, 2011

Shirley was such a warm, tender, caring and creative woman; it was such a pleasure to attend Guild seminars with her because I knew I could go to her if I was struggling with something personal and she'd understand. She had a beautiful way of facing hurts with compassion and humor that helped me learn from my life. I am grateful to have had her as a fellow traveler on the journey. Blessings always for lovely Shirley. M.M., Martinez, CA

Karen (Warren) Snyder

March 7, 2011

Shirley was the most influential woman in my life. She was a phenomenal woman, teacher, friend. She came into my life at a very young age, and if not for her stability, compassion, and spirit, I am not sure where I would be today. She gave me hope, she gave me strength, she gave me love. The world was a better place because of her. She once wrote: "Tears again, perhaps Tears every day for a while, Deep cleansing tears. There will be tears every day for awhile ... she will live in my heart, forever.

Janet Petroni

March 7, 2011

Shirley had such a wonderfully direct and refreshing way in her conversations: you knew where she was coming from. Her love of children and her gifts in teaching were so evident. I remember an incident where she heard a young child having a temper tantrum, and she commented on how much children had to teach her about the expression o f emotions and "wants." Another memory: Once when Shirley was cooking for a group of 30 at Four Springs, I walked into the kitchen as she prepared breakfast. She was carrying a mesh basket of raw eggs, ready to put them into a pot of boiling water for soft-boiled eggs. Somehow the basket landed on the floor with a smash of eggs everywhere! Shirley took it in stride, with good humor as we cleaned it up. Needless to say, there was only oatmeal for breakfast that morning! Shirley, you are missed.

Nora Doty

March 5, 2011

I was a teacher's aide in Shirley's 2nd grade class at Pacific Union School for five years. What fun years they were!! The children all loved her and I learned so much from her. My own children loved her and called her Aunt McShirl. We will always remember her with fond memories. I am so very glad she was a part of my life.

Marilyn Lewis

March 5, 2011

I was Shirley's aide at Pacific Union in Arcata. She was special to my family and we shared many good times together. I still have a book of her poetry that she put together for me and a print of the rose.

Clare Morris

March 2, 2011

BELOVED was one of Shirley's favorite words. I remember a time when she realized something new about it. One summer day at Four Springs, she and I took a silent meditation walk together along a wooded path. Suddenly she said, "I am beloved. It's true––I am beloved." We embraced, while tears streamed down her cheeks. She had spoken her essence.

Norman McMullen

March 2, 2011

I knew Shirley as a caring and patient person. She made time to listen to people and was clear and honest in her responses to them. I shared several seminars in the Guild for Psychological Studies with her and especially enjoyed the ones when she was in charge of the cooking - a task she did with flair and skill ! She will be missed.

Elizabeth Naegle

March 1, 2011

Shirley was unique. And they honored her exquisite talents as a teacher at the school she taught at. I think she thought of the children as if they were family, so each one was special. As a friend and collaborator at the Guild for Psychological Studies, she did her own inner work faithfully. And as an art resource leader, she brought depth to this work as she led others. I also recall one of her beautiful photos of a rose that she put on a greeting card. She appreciated Beauty and spread it around. I will miss her.

Susan Renfrew

February 28, 2011

Shirley poems captured her warmth and love of life. As everyone has said in their tributes Shirley was a special woman who brought her gifts to so many people. We missed her in the Berkeley area in the last few yearsa but knew she was with her loving family.

Hal Childs

February 27, 2011

Shirley was an amazing pioneer, reaching out for new creative edges in relation to others and within her self. She had the courage to completely change her life in order to work with the Guild for Psychological Studies in the Bay Area. Through this work she deepened her own being and enlarged her personality. She contributed to many seminars and workshops with her enthusiasm, creativity and authenticity and enriched the lives of so many others. Shirley was a real human being. There was nothing artificial or phony about her. She was truly her self and it was a pleasure to know her and work with her. She had a wonderful sense of humor and she was not afraid of complex psychological matters. Shirley dove into the thorny problems of integrating spiritual and psychological concerns and questions, and did the greatest work within her self. I am glad I knew Shirley, and the genuineness of her spirit is missed.

Carolyn Ayres

February 24, 2011

Shirley was an integral part of my life from the time I was five until I was 19. She basically raised me and though we were in touch only sporadically in the last 30 years, my childhood is filled with her presence. She taught me to sew, to cook, to laugh and be silly, to go overboard at Christmas and express myself as much as possible through music, dance, photography and poetry. An incredible teacher to children in Humboldt County for over 25 years, Shirley gave her creative energy generously continuing as a teacher of teachers before her retirement. I am deeply grateful for her presence in my life.

Shirley, I know you are in bliss now that you have escaped this sometimes painful physical existence. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Amber Schwantes (Portomene)

February 22, 2011

My great Aunt Shirley was an extraordinary teacher of grade school children for many years in Oakland,CA. She was a creatively expressive soul in her thoughts and writtings; cherishing life and searching for answers.
As a woman, Aunt Shirley inspired and challenged me to go beyond conventional thinking and be true to myself. As a young woman, her mother did not want her to leave and attend college. Aunt Shirley broke the glass ceiling put before her and defied tough circumstances in a "man's" world. Aunt Shirley always remained true to herself through her strength, courage and sharing. For all these reasons, I will remain forever greatful to a wonderful woman.

All my Love,

Larry Schwantes

February 22, 2011

Aunt Shirley was a thoughtful soul who gave of herself to others. I recall our tip to Disneyland with her, my wife and three children. It was a week of joy and enjoyment. Each of my children spent a week with her, one on one, a her residence in Berkeley. She definitely had a gift with and for children. She will be missed. Larry Schwantes

February 20, 2011

Shirley, I'm remembering with fondness my many trips to your apartment on Berkeley Way to tend the flowering plants on your deck. You loved flowers but with your increasing health limitations you could not tend them yourself. And I'm remembering your stay along with your cats at the Birkshires. And then came the move to be closer to your family, especially your niece, Nancy. You loved life and I was happy to be a part of your life during 15 of your total 77 years. Fondly, Sr. Paula Pohlmann

John Petroni

February 19, 2011

Shirley: You are deeply missed. Your eagerness in so many areas: your art, children, exploring the depths of soul, caring relationships, creating ceramic tiles with rich words and symbols, love for your niece and grand nieces and nephews and other family members, creativity in soul seminars you helped staff... your range of expression of your self... you are deeply missed! And you in memory are much alive.
John Petroni

Nancy Schwantes

February 18, 2011

My Aunt Shirley was a true inspiration to me throughout my entire life. She taught me the love of books, unconditional love and generosity. She embraced me with her unconditional love throughout her life and I praise God for allowing her to be a part of my family.

Manuel Costa

February 14, 2011

Shirley was a joyful and positive presence in our world. The children she taught benefited from her knowledge and love.

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