Shirley Schuldt

Shirley Estelle Schuldt, born on September 2, 1944, in San Francisco, California, to Alvin Carl Schuldt and Florence Estelle Schuldt, passed away peacefully in her home in Little River, California, on January 11, 2025.

A loving mother, grandmother, best friend, and devoted partner to James Sansi, Shirley was the pillar of her family. Her positive and loving nature provided strength, guidance, and wisdom to all who knew her. She was a remarkable woman whose kindness, understanding, and unwavering positivity touched countless lives.

Shirley's life was full of adventure and accomplishment. She was a strong, independent, and passionate woman with an extraordinary ability to make everything work out. Her diverse skills included typesetting and layout design for a print shop, working in the dental field, and excelling as a musician, singer, songwriter, performer, and studio recording artist. Shirley was also a dedicated homemaker, caregiver, and mother figure to many, embodying selflessness and compassion in all she did.

Shirley graduated from Analy High School class of 1962 and attended Sonoma State University for a time afterwards.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Shirley returned to Mendocino College at the age of 70. In 2016, she proudly graduated with honors, earning both an Associate of Arts degree in Recording Arts and Technology and an Associate of Science degree in Business Accounting.

Shirley is survived by her loving partner of 20 years James Sansi; her children Kimberley Kolby, Kelly Stornetta (Dave), and Angela Kolby; grandchildren Travis Silva, Tayler Kolby-Kishbaugh, Jacob and Joseph Stornetta, Miranda and Jack Lebert; great granddaughter Kemet Lebert; step children Raymond Sansi (Melissa), Erica Silva, Melina Swallow (Casey), Chanda Miller (Mike), Jimmy Sansi (Naomi); step-grandchildren Kaitlyn Sansi, Logan and Hunter Silva, Nicolas Cordell, Olivia Swallow, Enzo Sansi, Maison, Sawyer, Calliope, Isadora, and Clementine Miller.

She is also survived by her dear sister, Theresa Richards (Michael); and her brothers, Larry Schuldt (Diana), Gary Schuldt (Diann), Rick Schuldt (Dianne), and Ronald Schuldt.

Shirley also leaves behind extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on April 5, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mendocino Recreation Center, 998 School Street, Mendocino, California.

Shirley's adventurous spirit, strength, and boundless kindness will forever be remembered by those who loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joy.