Shirley Herley Obituary

Shirley Ann Madison Herley
Shirley Ann Madison Herley was born in Casper, WY on 3/24/1928. Her father was a veteran of the first World War. Shirley grew up in Huron, S.D., pop. 10,000, where her parents had purchased a small furnace business. She loved the prairie and the fields of wheat. Shirley graduated from the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College in Ohio, one of the finest music schools in the nation. She drove to Long Beach, opened her piano studio, and worked as church organist and accompanist for the Long Beach City College Choir. She was married to James Herley in 1954 and they had three children. Shirley was a convert to the Catholic Church and devoted to church and spiritual activities. She served as organist at Our Lady of Refuge for 10 years. She supported the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Palos Verdes and served for 20 years in pastoral care at Long Beach Memorial Hospital and several convalescent hospitals. Her service to the church was recognized by the Benemerenti Medal from the Vatican in Rome, which was presented to her at a special service by the Bishop. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, and was loved and respected by her family and friends. She passed away at home after several years with Alzheimer's illness. She is survived by her husband James Herley of Long Beach, son David of Long Beach, daughter Erin of Apple Valley, and Myralyn of Virginia, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Service will be at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic church, 5195 E. Stearns Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 on 11/24/12 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church.

Published by Press-Telegram on Nov. 22, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Herley

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Shirley Herley's name

Memorial Events
for Shirley Herley

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Shirley's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shirley Herley's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more