Shirley (Laub) Willer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on October 10, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 83.
Born on September 29, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, Shirley was the daughter of Jacob and Ruth (Samtur) Laub. Her early years were marked by both love and hardship, including the loss of her father when she was just nine years old.
Shirley attended Cleveland Heights High School before moving with her mother and siblings to Los Angeles in 1960. She graduated from Fairfax High School in Hollywood in 1961. Alongside her mother, Ruth, her brother, Morton, and her sister, Elaine (Laub) Brogden, she began building a new life on the West Coast—a journey that shaped the rest of her years.
In Los Angeles, Shirley met Karl Willer, and they were married for more than 60 years. They made homes across California—including Newbury Park, Simi Valley and Escondido—as well as in Las Vegas—before settling in Bonney Lake, Washington. Karl passed away only two months after Shirley.
Shirley worked for many years in retail, including at the May Company. With her unique beauty, impeccable style and elegance, she received modeling offers. She later worked as a secretary, and could type faster than anyone. Creative, insightful and full of ideas, Shirley quietly contributed to many projects and initiatives in the Conejo Valley, rarely taking credit but always leaving her thoughtful mark.
Above all, Shirley was devoted to her daughters. She poured her heart into giving them every opportunity, ensuring they received strong educations and grew into independent, resilient women. She was their biggest cheerleader, their fiercest protector and their guide who taught them to stand tall, speak up and resist mistreatment or injustice.
Shirley is survived by her brother, Morton Laub; her daughters, Jacqueline (Willer) Vescio and son-in-law Anthony Vescio, and Michele (Willer) Allred and son-in-law John Allred; her cherished grandsons, Matthew and William Vescio; and a large extended family across the globe. She also leaves behind many adored granddogs and grandcats, each one treasured.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Elaine.
Shirley will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, impeccable fashion sense, radiant smile, beautiful penmanship and talent for choosing the perfect gift and writing the best cards. She was an avid reader, a lover of musicals—often singing along—and a woman whose style inspired those around her. She found joy in traveling and taking road trips along the California coast, and she carried within her the strength forged from a childhood filled with challenges.
She loved deeply, gave endlessly and put others before herself. Her daughters write: "Mom, we will always love you very, very, very, very much, and we'll continue to make you proud."
A private service will be held in Los Angeles at a later date.
In honor of Shirley, her family asks that you hug your loved ones, cherish the moments you have together, and consider adopting or fostering a homeless dog or cat—or contributing to your favorite animal rescue—reflecting her lifelong compassion for animals.
Born on September 29, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, Shirley was the daughter of Jacob and Ruth (Samtur) Laub. Her early years were marked by both love and hardship, including the loss of her father when she was just nine years old.
Shirley attended Cleveland Heights High School before moving with her mother and siblings to Los Angeles in 1960. She graduated from Fairfax High School in Hollywood in 1961. Alongside her mother, Ruth, her brother, Morton, and her sister, Elaine (Laub) Brogden, she began building a new life on the West Coast—a journey that shaped the rest of her years.
In Los Angeles, Shirley met Karl Willer, and they were married for more than 60 years. They made homes across California—including Newbury Park, Simi Valley and Escondido—as well as in Las Vegas—before settling in Bonney Lake, Washington. Karl passed away only two months after Shirley.
Shirley worked for many years in retail, including at the May Company. With her unique beauty, impeccable style and elegance, she received modeling offers. She later worked as a secretary, and could type faster than anyone. Creative, insightful and full of ideas, Shirley quietly contributed to many projects and initiatives in the Conejo Valley, rarely taking credit but always leaving her thoughtful mark.
Above all, Shirley was devoted to her daughters. She poured her heart into giving them every opportunity, ensuring they received strong educations and grew into independent, resilient women. She was their biggest cheerleader, their fiercest protector and their guide who taught them to stand tall, speak up and resist mistreatment or injustice.
Shirley is survived by her brother, Morton Laub; her daughters, Jacqueline (Willer) Vescio and son-in-law Anthony Vescio, and Michele (Willer) Allred and son-in-law John Allred; her cherished grandsons, Matthew and William Vescio; and a large extended family across the globe. She also leaves behind many adored granddogs and grandcats, each one treasured.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Elaine.
Shirley will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, impeccable fashion sense, radiant smile, beautiful penmanship and talent for choosing the perfect gift and writing the best cards. She was an avid reader, a lover of musicals—often singing along—and a woman whose style inspired those around her. She found joy in traveling and taking road trips along the California coast, and she carried within her the strength forged from a childhood filled with challenges.
She loved deeply, gave endlessly and put others before herself. Her daughters write: "Mom, we will always love you very, very, very, very much, and we'll continue to make you proud."
A private service will be held in Los Angeles at a later date.
In honor of Shirley, her family asks that you hug your loved ones, cherish the moments you have together, and consider adopting or fostering a homeless dog or cat—or contributing to your favorite animal rescue—reflecting her lifelong compassion for animals.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley (Laub) Willer, please visit our flower store.
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