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Shirley Caldera Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Caldera
Sponsored by Her Family.
cathy caldera
February 24, 2013
mom watchen the oscars makes me think of you.miss you everyday,I know your up there watchen down directing traffic I hope I make you proud love you
cathy caldera
September 25, 2012
hello mom miss you everyday
cathy caldera
September 12, 2011
hey mom pretty cool about blue devils dad wrote a very nice letter.we did have alot of fun growing up marching and traveling.I cant believe it will be five years tomorrow I still miss you everyday bubas too...coaching was awsome we won nsa state and wourld seriers so benicia fired up 14 and under are champions and I helped coach them it has been a great two and half years and what away to end coaching (for now)benicia is along drive and the seasons went from feb to dec.so I took a break for fall.alex micha and baby eva is living with me its nice she is two and like alexs says Im the closest thing to a grandpa she has and we are family because I raised him as my own sometimes I think you come talk to her because she does your take to the hand move and I swear shes going to pop off with ORDERING she talks to you and bob when I do the kids are doing well they are working at spindrift alex is cooking and working the store and michas waiting tables it is good to know that my work ethics rubbed off on him and hes doing well.as you know Ive been sick they put me on new medications that really messed me up phisicaly and mentaly so it has been a very rough ride the last two months well sence june anyways i got down to 121 pounds havent been that sence highschool but Im good now back on my old routine blood counts good infection gone as far as we can tell and my head is better phamptom pains still bite me bad but I will deal with that shawdow is now 13 will be 14 in nov he will be joining you ben and everyone else soon alex just came in and told me to tell you he misses you and bob to.... things are getting better i still miss you everyday thought about going to jackson tomarrow but we made the play offs on my tuesday night team and we play at 815 so if you and bob are not to busy check it out and help our bats out we could use all the help we can get lol well mom tell everyone hello give them my love miss and love you always cat
Jim Caldera
September 11, 2011
Shirl, The Blue Devils requested some more info for their Scholarship Fund, they are updating a new sight. I printed the letter I sent below, with your picture.---
The Caldera Family has been involved with the Blue Devils for many years. The journey started in 1972 with our two daughters, Kelly & Jaymie, joining the Corps. Later that year our other daughter, Cathy and youngest son Bobby joined. The only one left was our oldest son Steven, who joined the following Year. The family became totally involved over the next fourteen years. We had the pleasure to be part of developing the Blue Devils organization into what it has become today. Both my wife Shirley and I went through all the then six corps with the kids. At one time we had kids in four different corps, practicing on four different nights a week. Then of course during the off season there was Winter Guard.
At this time we made the decision with the kids that this was going to be an activity that they all loved and wanted to be part of, so we invested in our first motorhome, affectingly known as The Blue Monster.We had it painted with the Blue Devil colors of white body with Blue and Black stripes. The Monster traveled all over from parades to summer tours. There are many stories that could be related about those super days on the road, but that's something else.
Shirley could be seen at any parade or show helping the kids getting ready, to marching the parade route with the famous squirt bottles filled with water. For the time we spent with the Blue Devils our Family is very thankful. The great memories will last a life time. And even today as the A Corps does it show the hair on the back of my neck still raises. What better way then to honor the passing of my wife and mother of the five, than to have her be part of this Scholarship Fund. Thanks again to the Blue Devils Organization.
Kelly Larimer
May 8, 2011
Mom,
Happy Mother’s Day!!
I am not sure why, but this year seems to be the hardest for me to accept that you are no longer here. I think a lot has to do with Bobby’s passing and Baby Bobby Dutra being born… I know how excited you were to become a Grandma and I know you would have been just as excited to be a Great Grandma! I can’t believe that Lyle and I are now grandparents ourselves…I have to admit we are loving every moment and cherish every minute we get to spend with Baby Bobby.
Happy belated Birthday~ I stayed the night before your birthday at Auntie Jo’s and we had fun going down memory lane. When I got home that night I just could not visit your website, please know that, just like every day you were in my thoughts all day long…it is still so hard to wrap my hands around the fact that both you and Bobby are gone… I know that you are together and watching over all of us.
Miss you much and love you more~
Kelly
Kelly Larimer
May 5, 2010
Happy Birthday Mom!
I am sitting here in my hotel room in Carson City still finding it very hard to believe that you are not here with us. So many things have happened lately that I would not even know where to begin~
I played one of your favorite slot machines at Casino Fandango tonight in your memory and want to thank you for all the good luck!! I had a gal sitting next to me who could not believe what good luck I was having. I explained that it was your birthday today and she said you were obviously smiling down on me, thanks again for that!!
It has been 3 weeks since Bobby passed away and I take comfort in knowing that he is now in heaven with you. He was taken from us way too early, but I know he never got over your passing. He missed you so much~ they said it was a massive heart attack, but I think it was a broken heart…Lyle and I have vowed to take care of Dawn and the kids and we will hold true to our promise. I hope that the two of you are partying like the old days and that Uncle Don and the rest of the family up there have joined you two in the celebration! Please give them all a hug and a kiss for me!!
I want you to know that not a day goes by that I don’t think of you…I still find myself picking up my cell phone to call you on my way home or after something funny has happened!! Even though it has been almost 4 years, it seems like just yesterday you were still here.
Please continue to watch over us… I love you~
Happy Birthday again!
All my love and more~
Kelly
September 14, 2009
Sept 13, 2009
Dear Shirl,
Here it is another year. Where does the time go? Your doing a good job of watching over us. Everyone is doing fairly well. Keep up the great job and say hello to everyone up there with you. You are still in our hearts and mines always.
Love as always,
Jim
Jim Caldera
September 12, 2008
Dear Shirl,
I was just sitting here in the quiet of the early morning hours thinking back through the years we spent together. It's hard to believe that tomorrow will be two years since God put his hand on your shoulder and said it's your time to come home to me.
Life has changed without you here helping to guide us all, but you taught us all how to help each other. We have all missed you so much. Your laugh, your smile, your love of life is still with-in us all.
Cath is doing well, along with all the kids. Like I said things have changed for all of us but you are still in all our hearts and minds. We know your up there watching over us and keeping us all safe. One thing though I could use a little help in Reno, My luck up there hasn't been to good lately. I know your busy up there keeping things running, but any help will really be nice.
Well, Babe, it's time to say good-by for now.
Love to you, Jim
Kelly Larimer
May 5, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom!
We all got together yesterday to remember and celebrate your day~
I miss you more and more as each day passes without you.....you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten…..you are forever in my thoughts~
Kelly
Jerry Sullivan
September 14, 2007
Jim, It haas taken me a long time to sign the guestbook. Shirley was GREAT LADY. I cannot believe we go back all these years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry & Rochelle
Nicole Donegan
September 13, 2007
Auntie, It is hard to believe that a year has gone by.
Your family has planned a dinner in your honor, it will be nice for us to all be together. You will always be missed.
Jim Caldera
May 6, 2007
Dear Shirl,
I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. Even though time has passed you are still in all our thoughts. There is not a hour that goes by that something doesn't bring up some memory of you. I know you and I talked about what would happen when the day came when one of us passed away, and how the other should handle it, but that day came to quick. I know your looking after Cathy, because she is doing so very well after the accident. She should be getting fitted for her new leg any day now.
Yesterday I went on a ride with the motorcycle group from here at Trilogy. We ended up in Middletown, so I asked the guys if they would mine a short stop. They aggreed, so we went to the old Ranch and I got a chance to talk with Mom and Dad by the creek. I hope you weren't celebrating to much up there on your birthday, because I had a good talk with you too. Brought you up to date on how we are all doing. We miss you and Love you always. Never never to be forgotten!!!
Kelly Larimer
May 5, 2007
Happy Birthday Mom~ Not a day goes by that I do not think about you.....it is so hard to believe that it's been 8 months since you left us. I hope it is true what they say and that you are in a better place. Tonight I will have a cocktail (or two!) in your honor~ Cheers to you and all you did while you were here! I love you and miss you more than you can imagine~Kelly
Nicole Donegan
September 29, 2006
The following note was read by my Brother at Auntie's Celebration of Life.
Auntie,
I will miss you deeply, I will miss watching you enjoy the times that
our families were together, and I will miss watching the bond that is
shared by you and my Mom. During the past six weeks as I would visit
Auntie in the hospital I was able to tell her many times the thing I
had not been good at saying in the past…I love you, Auntie. In her last
weeks I was re-taught a simple life lesson, yet one that we tend not to
utilize as God would want us to, to share with our loved ones just how
much they mean to us and let them know that we appreciate and love
them. During my visits to the hospital one thing stood out…the devotion
and love my Uncle Jim had for his wife. I always knew they had a
special relationship, but it was very apparent when Uncle Jim would
walk in her room and his presence was felt by her; she would breathe
calmer or just be more at ease knowing he was there. My wish for all of
us is that this type of love and devotion is the gift made over 48
years of marriage. “Auntie” is a word used by most every family;
however to me it was unique and individually special. She was my one
and only. From now on when I hear someone refer to there “Auntie” it
will touch a place in my heart reserved just for her. Auntie I love
you, thank you for being such a wonderful Auntie not to just me and my
husband but to our children, too. You will be deeply missed. To Uncle
Jim, Steve, Kelly, Jaymie, Cathy, Bobby and each of your families, the
road ahead isn’t going to be easy. I’m sure you will have ups and
downs. Please know that we are here for you and will do anything we can
to help you through this difficult time. We love each of you.
judy gilmore
September 29, 2006
Hi Auntie Shirley,
I'm sure your up in heaven looking down on us.
You should be so happy with the memorial Jim and the children put together. We cried and we laugh,we had fun,and at times we didn't want to be there, you were always the life of the party and this time you were being honored.
You made my brother very happy for 48 years and should be very proud. You were a wonderful wife and a great Mom.
We had great memories, the four families getting together for the last couple of years, our beautiful cruise of Hawaii, the afternoons on the boat. Talking in the backyard till wee hours in the morning, but we solved everyones problems.
You will be missed deeply, I only had 1 sister-in-law and you were one great women & friend.
To Jim, Steve, Kelly, Jaymie, Cathy & Bobby
Your in our thoughts and proyers, hold the memories close to your heart.
We love you,
Auntie Judy and Uncle Glen
Ashley Watson
September 26, 2006
Jim,Steve,Jaymie,Cathy,Bobby,Kelly, & entire Caldera family:
I just want you all to know that I am here if you ever need me. I am only a phone call away so don't ever hesitate to call. I am still in a state of shock that "Grandma Shirley" is no longer with us...as many of us are. I know we don't see each other all that often, but when we do, it's always great times and I am definitely going to miss seeing her smiling face and sharing stories from the past. She always talked to me as if I was a true granddaughter of hers and that's what I loved the most.
Even though it was extremely sad to go through, I am very glad I went to the hospital that night to say my last goodbye and to be there for all of you.
My prayers are with all of you and like I said before, if any of you ever need anything...I'm just a phone call away!!
I love you all!!
Jim Caldera
September 25, 2006
Dear Shirl,
Well Babe the dust has settled and the flowers are starting to wilt a little so I thought it was time to sit down and put a few thoughts together for you.
First of all I wanted to thank you for 48 years of love, devotion, and five beautiful kids. We had a lot of good times. The memories of those special times, super vacations, the ups and downs of the kids growing up, all the special friends we made along the way. These memories will be with me on those cold lonely nights, when I’m missing you so much.
We had a great life together and a lot to be thankful for. We actually grew up with the kids when you think about. Here we were two kids 20 and 19 years old starting out together with all these dreams of what the future had in store for us. If anyone asked me what are secret was I think I would say “We worked together. We talked, and backed each other up all the time.”
My only regret Sweetheart was that are time together was cut so short. Seems like yesterday we were looking at that first new house on Los Palmas Dr. in San Francisco, and that was 1959. Wow, where did the time go. I could go on and on but you know how missed and loved you are.
The one thing is you will never be forgotten. Your big smile and glowing personality will stay with family and friends forever. We will see you in a beautiful sun set and feel your warmth and love in a soft breeze.
Sweetheart, I miss you and love you with all my heart. Keep an eye on all of us from your place up there in heaven. Good night my Love.!!
Your Husband,
Jim
Jeff Schloffel
September 24, 2006
Uncle Jim, Steve, Kelly, Jamie, Kathy, & Bob;
May the Lords perfect peace and mighty strength be with you during this time of loss.
Jeff, Lori, Ryan & Andy Schloffel
Lauri (Darren's wife) Bobrosky
September 22, 2006
Dear Steve, Bob and the Caldera family;
As I don't know most of you, I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. She will be deeply missed by all and is in a better place now. May she rest in peace and her memory live forever in your hearts.
Gail Hayden
September 22, 2006
Caldera family: We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a lovely lady and a great MOM. She was proud of her family. And you all were blessed to have her as your MOM. Thinking of you, Doug & Gail,The Hayden family. (Kelly's Brother and Sister in-law)
Joy Frink
September 21, 2006
Dear Jim, Steve, Kelly, Jamie, Kathy, & Bob,
When a special life ends in such an unexpected way, it can be totally overwhelming. Don't forget there are a lot of people ready to do whatever they can to help you meet the challenges you face.
Love,
Aunt Joy & Uncle Roger
Pam (Ruby) Herrenkohl
September 20, 2006
Dear Jim, Kelly, Steve, Jaymie, Cathy and Bob,
What a shock it was to open the paper yesterday and learn of Shirley's passing. Its so hard for me to believe.
My childhood memories of growing up across the street from "Auntie Shirl" are still as vivid as thought they were yesterday.
As I became a mother and grandmother I'd sometimes think of Auntie Shirl and marveled at how she managed a household full of five children. She made it look so easy. I can still see her smiling and hear her laughing and joking.
My brother and sister and I laugh about my mom and Shirl hanging out at our house or your's enjoying their "wine in a box" while ironing or cooking or working on whatever their current craft project was. Sometimes I think they reminded me of Lucy & Ethel. Remember the trip when they gathered up the beautiful leaves to make fall decorations - but the leaves turned out to be poison oak?!
I also have fond memories of Shirl at my wedding and the surprise baby shower she and Kelly gave me.
We may have lost touch over the years but I have never forgotten.
I can't pretend to imagine the pain you are feeling now - but I hope knowing that Auntie Shirl touched so many lives gives you some comfort.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Pam (Ruby) Herrenkohl
Pat (Giacomini) Wilson
September 20, 2006
Jim,
My sincere sympthy goes out to you and your family. May the memories bring you comfort. I know you have the support of your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Pat & CB Wilson
Cathy Caldera
September 20, 2006
Mama Bear,
You have loved us all unconditionally all of our lives……from the good times to the hard times you were always there.
You were there to get us up for school, helping in our classes, you not only drove us to Baseball, Softball, Football, and even Violin practice you stay to watch us. Blue Devil practice, meant 5 different practices at 5 different times, but you always managed to get us there on time. You and Dad traveled from town to town not only watching us perform, but you were there to fix a uniform, tie a shoe and pin up our hair with those horrible bobby pins! I loved that you were always there walking along the parade route, you looked so proud of us! As we got older you were still there for us, as Steve went off to the Air Force, Kelly got married, I headed to the Army, stationed in Germany. If I remember correctly you were stuck with Jaymie and Bobby…..sorry for that! Just kidding! Even though we were not longer living at home we all knew we could always count on you. Sorry about the phone calls at 2am from Germany begging to come home. Dad, I didn’t realize the time difference!
Mom I will never forgot all the project you did…..from the “Fuzzy Pencils” to the Fabric Book Covers, the scarf’s, the afghans, the sweaters and the needlepoint art were all made from your heart. Sorry I preferred Wood Shop over Sewing Class!!
You welcomed all with a smile and love from your heart, from “Cocktails” to “ORDERING” you did it with style……and you were always dressed for the occasion…having matched not only your outfit to include the earrings, shoes and jewelry, you even matched Dad!
I am happy I was able to travel with you and Dad…… from Reno to Jackson we had such a great time……gambling, eating, laughing and just having a good time! I will never forget when I hit my Royal Flush and you ran thru the Casino looking for Ana…..once you found her, you literally pulled her away from her machine, not even letting her “cash out”!! She apologizes for fighting you off, but her winnings were important too!!
Thanks for being the “Queen of Trivia” I knew I could call you with any questions and you would know the answer! Thanks too for being my spell checker……Dad, no I won’t call you…I will let Ana take that over!
You sure loved your News Channels, Court TV and your Reality TV Shows…..I will miss discussing “Survivor” with you……you followed O.J. Simpson to Jon Bonet….we all know your opinion on both…..you have probably looked up Nicole Simpson by now to get the true story!!
You drove Dad crazy with all your Holiday decorating….. From Valentines to Christmas and every Holiday in between we could always count on your “Theme Bathroom” …..You gave me my love to decorate at Halloween and Christmas……I haven’t quite got to decorating my bathroom, but my outside looks great! But with guidance from you I will someday make the “Griswalls” proud!
I am proud you were my Mother and even prouder that you accepted me for the way God made me…….for so many of my friends have been disowned by their family and shut out of their life’s because of who they are. Thank you for accepting Ana and Alex as part of our family, loving them no different then any of the other spouses. All my friends think I am the luckiest of people…..not only were you and Dad married for 48 years….. My entire family accepts me for who I am. I have to agree I am blessed…..thank you for being my Mama Bear….thank you for all your love and support thru out the years…..
Your gone, but will never be forgotten,
Nicholas, Rebecca, Brandon Caldera
September 20, 2006
Dear Grandma: I love you! I'll see you in heaven. I will always remember our boat trips.
Love, Nicholas
"I love you, Grandma!"
Rebecca Caldera
Dear Grandma: I miss you. I wish that I could see you again. Please tell my grandpa Walter, I love him. I remember at Halloween you had this toy that would make silly songs and you would let me play with it. Love, Brandon Caldera
.
tom cotter
September 20, 2006
Dear Jim,I am sorry for your loss. A 1955 Riordan Graduate.
Will and Pat Casey
September 20, 2006
Dear Jim,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. We will forever have fond memories of sharing a table with you and Shirley at the Olympic Club celebrating our 50th High School Reunion just last year.
Michael and Monet Fischer
September 20, 2006
Auntie Shirley,
We will miss you!! Your kindness and love will be in our memories forever!!
Love always,
Mike, Monet & Dylan
We will forever miss you Mom, we love you.
September 20, 2006
Party at Dean and Nicole's house
September 20, 2006
Mom and Auntie Jo
September 20, 2006
Mom and Auntie with all the girls
September 20, 2006
Family photo!
September 20, 2006
One of many Cruises!!
September 20, 2006
Christmas at Auntie Jo's
September 20, 2006
Partying at the Norgaards!
September 20, 2006
Dan Dolan
September 20, 2006
Dear Jim and Family,
I was very sorry to receive the news of Shirley's passing. Having endured this pain of loss, I know all too well how difficult this time is for all of you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan and Mari Dolan
Kevin and Nancy Reidy
September 19, 2006
Dear Jim and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories give you strength at this time.
Love, Nancy and Kevin
Ron & Linda Small
September 19, 2006
Jim, Our sincere condolences to you and your family in this time of sorrow. We know that all the great memories of Shirley will be with you forever.
Frank Cirimele
September 19, 2006
Dear Jim and Family:
I am praying for you all, and offered my Mass for you and Shirley today. The Lord is always our strength in our times of difficulty. Years ago I realized that it is better there than it is here, where we can be with the One Who lovingly created us. Jim, she got there a little ahead of us.
Jaymie Caldera
September 19, 2006
Dear Mom,
How do I begin?? I’m still in a state of disbelieve. How can I say goodbye not only to my mother but to my best friend…
Mom remember way back when Kelly got married and I thought it was going to be happiest day of my life…. I was finally going to have my own room !!!!!!!!! Well, we both know I lasted about two days before I was missing her. I know that was the moment we became more then just Mother and Daughter we became best friends!
Mom and Dad, I just want to thank you both for the happy childhood memories…. who could forget all the traveling with Blue Devils. We would all pile into the Winnebago and off we would go. You guys were so into making sure that we were happy that you didn’t mind when you had all of 5 of us in different Corps and you both were running like crazy to get everyone to practice on time!! You were so proud of all us. You raised five wonderful kids….god knows we all put you through the ringer at one time or another!! You were always so supportive, you always let us make are own decisions whether you thought it was right or wrong. If we fell you were always there to pick us up and never with an “I told you so”.
Mom you taught me so much, things I can pass on to Dustin and Shane. Those two little guys are sure going to miss their Grandma Shirl so much. They loved going to Grandma and GP’s to spend the night. They are going to miss all the munchies’ that you always had when we would go fishing on the boat. Thank you for always being there to support not only me, but my two boys.
Thanks you for letting me tag along with you and Dad when you would go gambling in Reno and Tahoe, we had so many great times and it was always a blast. I will never forget that you insisted on having the air conditioner on in the car, even when it was snowing outside!!….. Though I froze in the back seat, I will always cherish the memories…..frost bite and all!
God only knows why I decided to stay home from work on Monday 9-11, I was so surprised to walk in your room and see you there with your glasses on watching your favorite CNN channel. Thanks Dad, for remembering she could not see without her glasses on and taking care of her even though she could not tell us herself. I know in my heart you knew I was there, thanks for confirming with a little squeeze of my hand. I thank God for making sure I saw you that day. You fought such a tough battle and we thought you were “out of the woods”……that is why I still cannot believe you are gone.
I want to thank God for letting us all be together during your last moments on Earth, we laughed, we cried and then you were gone. Thanks for giving us 6 more weeks then the Doctors thought you would. You fought long and hard.
Mom, I know you would give me the shirt off your back…….I am just not sure you would give me the matching shoes and earrings!
Thanks for all the great memories, advice, support and love that you gave me through out the years……I will miss you more and more everyday.
I love you Mom, rest in peace,
Samantha Burnett
September 19, 2006
GP, Kelly, Cathy, Bob, Steve & Jaymie:
I find myself without words to express exactly how I feel on this occasion. I feel grateful to have gotten to know Grandma Shirl over the past seven years, and sadness that she is gone. She always treated me like I was one of her own grandchildren. She will be missed tremendously in the planning of the wedding of Michael & I. I am just so glad that the announcement of our engagement brought her such joy. I will forever remember her as she was at Sunday Brunch at the Mansion. She was so vibrant and full of life in one of her many well-coordinated outfits.
Grandma Shirl, I know you are with God, and I know we will meet again someday.
I want to express my sympathy for all of you as you move on in the journey of life without your Wife and Mother. May peace be with you in this time of sorrow.
With warmest sincerity,
-Samantha
Velma Walker
September 19, 2006
Dear Jim and family,
The Walkers enjoyed many hours with you and your family. The hours I spent at work were made easier to endure because of Shirley and her wonderful personality, her willingness to share. We send our love and prayers to you and your family. May God comfort you and yours during this time. The Walker Family, formerly from Oakley.
Michael Dutra
September 19, 2006
Grandma, it still hits me every now again that you are no longer here it just doesnt seam right. It doesnt seam right that you arent going to see Sam and I get married, when we had to tell you stop telling everyone because we only had so many seats and we couldnt seat all of your friends, but i know it was all because you where so excited and thats what im going to remember, and i know you will still see that happy day. Its not going to be the same at family functions without the word "HELLO" coming from you in only the way you could say it. Thank you for all the mornings back in grade school and for the worrying about me when i thought it was a good idea to walk to my dads work after school one day.....For teaching mom her ways of cleaning the clutter which have somehow made it all the way to me....As i have said to myself many times in the past few weeks all to often the ones we love are taken to soon, I love you Grandma may you rest in peace and dont forget to make sure Great Grandma greats her bran muffin in the morning.....
Love Always,
Your Grandson Michael
Pete,Deb, Dee and Nick Norgaard
September 19, 2006
Jim and Family,
We are greatly saddened by Shirley's passing. She always greeted us with a smile... and laughter was sure to follow. We will miss her very much. Our prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.
Janice McCloskey
September 19, 2006
Dear Jim and family,
Please accept our condolences for Shirley. We will keep you in our prayers.
Jan & Jack McCloskey
Kelly Larimer
September 19, 2006
Mom, I can not believe you are in heaven now……the last 6 weeks have been a total blur…..As I always told you every year on my birthday, thank you for giving me life. You taught me so much the last 46 years……you taught me that it is OK to buy a new outfit for every occasion! I haven’t quite got to the accessory level you were at… you had a style all you own! You know that it drove me crazy when your friends would tell me that “you look just like your Mother”……I will now take that as a compliment, because you were the 1st Homecoming Queen at Dad’s High School. I was just the band geek! You taught me how to cook, clean, sew and raise wonderful children. You taught me right from wrong. You also taught me to “hide the clutter” when company comes over……I did not realize that until after you were gone…yes… Dad and I found some “clutter”! I want to thank you for making baby blankets for all my friends, most of whom you had never met, but you made each and everyone of them like you were making it for your own family. I know they will cherish them forever.
I want to thank all the Doctors and Nurses at Kaiser in Walnut Creek. Doctor Chang, when Mom made it through that first night, you said you were going to “pull out all the stops”…..you truly did for the next 6 weeks. Thank you for trying to save her, it just wasn’t meant to be. I can not say enough about the Nurses…..there were way too many to name, but you know who you are. You not only did everything possible to make Mom comfortable, you took the time to get to know her and her family. You laughed and cried right along with us. Thank you for what you do……you are all Angels on Earth! Chaplain Honigs, thank you for all the support you gave our entire family during the last few days, your kind words, support and phone calls to check in, did not go unnoticed. Thanks again for everything.
Mom, I will forever cherish the last few minutes you were here on Earth. I am forever grateful that Dad, Steve, Jaymie, Cathy, Bob, Auntie Jo and I were able to be by your bedside. You looked so peaceful and relaxed. I know that you are in a better place now, but it doesn’t make it any easier……I love you Mom, you will always be in my thoughts.
Your daughter,
Jerry and Rochelle Sullivan
September 19, 2006
Dear Jim & family, Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow and rejoicing. Sorrow that Shirley has left US and rejoicing that she is where we all will be, at peace with GOD. Jerry and I would like to send hugs and smiles to you all. We are in Ireland praying with those Irish who really know how to be on their knees. Love Jerry and Rochelle Sullivan
Ron & Diane de Golia
September 19, 2006
We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Jim and his family for the loss of your wonderful Shirley. Our thoughts and prayers are still with you as you endure this sad sad ordeal.
Nicole Donegan
September 19, 2006
Auntie Shirley, I will miss you deeply. May you have found your spot in God's Kingdom and be at peace now. Mollie, Haley and Lindsey were blessed to have a Great Aunt like you. To Uncle Jim and all my Cousins, I love each and every one of you, I hope our family traditions will carry on for many years to come. Auntie may you rest in peace, you will be missed by all whos lives you have touched.
Rich and Teena Caselli
September 19, 2006
Dear Jim and Family,
We wish to let you know that your are all in our prayers. We hope that in some way this might help in making this difficult situation somewhat easier to accept.
Viggen Rassam
September 19, 2006
Jim,
The thoughts of your entire Riordan Family are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Frank & Rosalie Gau
September 19, 2006
We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Jim and his family for the loss of Shirley. She was a beautiful and wonderful lady.
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