Shirley Gage Durfee

What beautiful and apt tributes to an immensely special woman. So smart, so endlessly inquisitive, so engaged and engaging. I have many wonderful memories of times spent with Shirley and Rod in St Louis and in London. My sincere condolences to all her family.

It's hard to come to terms with life without you in it, Granny. You held a place of gentle permanence in my lifelike a tree whose familiar shade always welcomed me or a calm harbor to which I could always return. Without you, I can't help but feel a little vulnerable, a little lost at sea.

The kids are becoming parents now, the parents are becoming grandparents, and the time has come to let you go. I can't say I know how to navigate all this just yet, Granny, but I will. It was...

As with many others it's hard to find the words to express what you mean to me and what it will be like going forward. You instilled a love of arts into me. Without you I don't think I would've started going to the symphony, opera, museums or plays like I do now. The next show I'll go to I'll think of you and think of how happy it has made me to have been lucky enough to spend time with you and learn from you.

I'm so fortunate to be able to call you my grandma. I'll miss taking...

The mother of my longest best friend thus the memories are endless... so many sleepovers (with cats galore...) so many Thanksgivings & birthday parties & holiday gatherings were just a bike ride down the road... the whole family was my 2nd family... and when Tom & I were being juveniles Shirley gave us cover (enough said).
I will miss you Mrs. D.
From our family to yours, heartfelt condolences.

You were the most amazing grandparent Ive known. I will lovingly remember all of the great trips and times weve spent with all of our families.

Thank you for inspiring us to be adventurous and passing along your love for animas. I am forever thankful for the many new experiences you introduced us to. One of my favorite things about you was that we could go to any museum or historical site and it always seemed like you could tell us more than we could learn from any tour guide. I am so happy Marley had the chance to meet you! We will always love and miss you Granny!

We will cherish the memory of Shirley Rae & Rod's trips to La Crosse. The visits to the cottage & Grandad Bluff Alpine Inn for Cheeseburgers. The Durfee family is in our thoughts & prayers.

My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of sorrow. (Psalm 145:19)

Shirley was a remarkable woman. I was in an art class with her for more than 30 years. She was interested in what everyone was painting and always wanted to know what out families thought of our paintings. She shared her adventurous life with us--what her family was doing, her travels, her work at the Garden, her love of animals and her love of playing tennis. She was one of the most alive people I have ever met. She will be truly missed.