Shirley A. Bjork

Shirley passed away on November 15, 2011, at the age of 91, of natural causes, at home in Oakmont (Santa Rosa). It was Shirley's wish to remain at home until the end, which she accomplished with the help of her family and Home Health Care of Santa Rosa. Shirley was born in Salina, Utah on February 4, 1920. She was one of nine children of Henry and Josephine Madsen. She moved to San Francisco with her family in 1935, so her father could find work in the shipyards as a welder. She attended Mission and Commerce High Schools. In 1939, she married George (Fred) Ard, with whom she had two children, Lavonne Sturgeon (Bob) in 1942, and Jerry Ard (Maria) in 1944. Shirley worked as an escrow secretary with Bay Counties Title Co. in San Francisco for many years. She then found great personal satisfaction as administrative assistant to Chaplain John Humphries at Presbyterian Hospital (Pacific Medical Center) in San Francisco until her retirement in 1979. Shirley and Fred moved from Fairfax, CA to Santa Rosa in 1979. They enjoyed their retirement home together until Fred's premature passing in 1984. In 1987, Shirley married Richard Bjork and together they moved to their new home in Oakmont. Richard also passed away prematurely in 1992. Shirley's interests included Contract Bridge, golf and dancing, and she excelled at all three. She also loved managing her beautiful garden and flowers at her home. In addition to Lavonne and Jerry, Shirley leaves behind grandchildren Kathy and Sheri Laugero, David Ard (Krissy) and Chris Ard (Jennifer) and six great grandchildren. The family is grateful to her caregivers and to Hospice. Services will be private.