Shirley L. Swearingen

Shirley L. Swearingen passed away in Visalia, California on September 22, 2025, at the age of 88. Shirley Laterza Swearingen
November 20, 1936 – September 22, 2025
Shirley (Laterza) Swearingen 88 of Visalia, Ca passed into eternal life on September 22, 2025 with her daughter by her side.
Shirley was born November 20, 1936 to Dominico and Mary Laterza in Visalia, Ca. She grew up in Visalia and graduated from Visalia High (Mt. Whitney) in 1954. She went on to Beauty School and was a hairdresser for 45 years in Visalia.
In 1960 she married Duane Swearingen and they went on to have two children, Michelle and Bradford.
Shirley was an amazing example of a Catholic Woman. Every morning spending time with God in prayer and praying the Rosary. She loved God, her faith, her family and her community of new and life long friends, still gathering with her girlfriends from high school up until her passing. Always had a beautiful smile on her face and love in her heart for everyone.
She was a member and volunteer at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish in Visalia and was involved in many Bible Studies and prayer groups throughout her life. Shirley also enjoyed being a member and volunteer for Sons of Italy Enrico Caruso Lodge Visalia.
She loved to travel, especially to see her grandchildren & great grandchildren, and vacationing at the Coast. She was blessed to go on a pilgrimage to Italy and Rome where she was able to participate in a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.
She leaves behind a sister, Amanda McGraw, daughter Michelle Swearingen, three amazing granddaughters Amanda Koch (Eric), Rebecca Oren (Wesly), and Anna Swearingen. She also leaves behind three adorable great grandsons Soren, Freddie and Charlie who brought so much joy and love to her life, God's blessings, sisters in law Colleen Camara and Sandra Nilmeier, along with many nieces and nephews
Preceded in Death by her parents, her husband Duane, son Bradford, sisters Florence Bair, Bernice Bartolucci, in-laws WC & Rebecca Swearingen, sisters in law Claudina Higgins and Delores Kassebaum.
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Bethlehem Center in Visalia, CA, St. Charles Borromeo Building Fund GSCP Visalia, St. Judes or to a charity of your choice.
Rosary will be prayed Friday October 31, 2025 at 6pm at Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel, 1700 W Caldwell Avenue Visalia, CA 93277
Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 9:00 am, St. Mary's Catholic Church Visalia, CA 93291
Burial: Visalia District Cemetery November 1, 2025 10:30 am.