Sandra Lee Shirley

August 31, 1939 - April 26, 2024

Encinitas, California - Sandy Shirley passed away peacefully in Encinitas, CA on April 26, 2024, with her family by her side. She was a remarkable person who had a profound impact on many lives along the way.

Sandy was born on August 31, 1939, in Chicago, IL to Howard and Vera Frank. She was an only child and spent most of her young life growing up in Milwaukee. After graduating from high school, she attended Marquette University where she earned her degree in Nursing.

Within a few years, she was married, had two children and settled in Sacramento in 1969 to raise her family. Sandy was extremely social and soon had many friends that she loved dearly. She had an infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor and loved hosting parties for any occasion. Everyone invited!

Sandy always strived to be productive in life and decided to go back to work when her children were of school age. At that time, she was hired by the Sacramento Unified School District as a school nurse where she worked for 20 years. Sandy was highly intelligent and loved learning, and, while employed as a school nurse, she returned to school. She earned her MBA and Master's in public health which ultimately led her to a profession as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

One of the biggest joys in her life was starting her own business. She opened South Area Pediatrics in the early 90's. She thrived on being her own boss, and her practice was a huge success. She took care of thousands of kids for many years who all affectionately referred to her as "Miss Shirley."

Sandy also loved animals. She had many dogs and cats over the years and always said "yes" to strays that needed a home. She was very involved in Sacramento Humane Society and made weekly donations of food and supplies to the shelter.

Sandy is survived by her children, Scott Ross (Carol) and Carrie Shaffer and her grandchildren Katie, Andrew and Emily Ross and Sam Shaffer. They were the love of her life!

Everyone loved Sandy, and her wonderful generosity will be remembered and celebrated. Her family will scatter her ashes at sea from Coronado Island near the Hotel Del where she spent so many years vacationing with her family.

Donations in her name can be made to either the Humane Society or The Ronald McDonald House. Both were dear to her heart.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jun. 2, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Shirley

7 Entries

Erlinda Melton

August 25, 2025

sandy was my supervisor. shes very nice an amazing lady . very generous. love her. may you Rest in peace . my condolences to the family .

Penny wilson

August 13, 2024

So sorry to read of Sandy´s passing. I drive by her house on Tangerine often and saw a lot of changes lately so I thought she might of passed. What a wonderful lady. I worked at Raleys where she shopped and we always looked forward to seeing her. She ordered her mother´s cookies ( lots, lots of boxes) for her practice. Back in the day when we carried alot of decorated items, I wanted to be the one to check her out to see all the fun stuff she bought! She was always smiling and planning her party´s. I missed seeing her when the store closed but living in the neighborhood I could still see her seasonal decor in the front yard and wave when she was out. One of my favorite customers along with Mrs Lynch her neighbor. May she RIP. Sincerely Penny wilson

Catherine Ithurburn

July 1, 2024

Dear Scott and Carrie,

Your mom was one of our favorite volunteers and donors. She was an amazing friend to the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House. She came by to drop off donations weekly, and we always loved our time chatting and laughing with her. I especially loved hearing her laughter throughout the office.

Warm regards,

Catherine Ithurburn CEO RMHC Northern CA

Erin Whitsell

June 12, 2024

Scott and Carrie, my condolences to u and your families. As you know, we all loved your mom. Her wit and ginormous personality was unmatched. I'm so glad we were neighbors and friends and i was grateful to see her periodically in these last several years. Wonderful memories of your dear mom.

Debbie Cronick

June 12, 2024

Scott & Carrie, so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. She always had a wonder sense of humor & style.
Her holiday parties were always the best. I also remember how generous she was when I babysat you two. I will always have fond memories of your family. Love Debbie & Dan

Giordano family

June 5, 2024

Sandy was a dear friend to our mom, Mildred Giordano. She will be missed. Our condolences to your family.

Kevin L Kallvet

June 2, 2024

I did some painting for Sandy, she was great to work for, her kindness and sense of humor were fantastic. I asked her , Sandy, (Mrs. Shirley ) I hope I´m not charging you to much to paint? She said Kevin, I paid more money to have someone to hang up the paintings/ pictures. She was more than fair, and her laughter... Her home was beautiful...

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