Shirley Rae McGinnis

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....

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.

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

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,...

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. ...

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.

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.

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.

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.