Shirley Mae Lovish

December 8, 1929 - September 15, 2024

Roseville, California - Our mother Shirley Mae Lovish, (nickname Toni), passed away on Sept. 15th at home at the age of 94.

Shirley was born on Dec 8, 1929 to Paul Sacheck and Bernice (Norton) Sacheck in Chicago, IL. She is survived by her three daughters, Christina Jagielski, Cherrie Conner and Connie Akers. She is also survived by her four granddaughters, two great granddaughters and one great grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and all of her four siblings. Shirley graduated from Tuley High School in Chicago, IL and married Joseph Thomas Lovish in 1947. By 1953 the young family of five moved to North Sacramento, CA. The family loved camping and explored California on their vacations. In 1960, the Lovish family moved to a larger home in Citrus Heights, CA. Mom and dad bought a ski boat and we all learned to ski, including mom, at Folsom Lake. What great times we all had. Dad was the Captain, we were the crew. About this time, Shirley (Toni) started working for SAFE Federal Credit Union at McClellan Air Force Base. She promoted from Clerk to Teller, to Loan Officer, to Assistant Manager, then to Manager of the Madison Avenue Branch during her 37 years of service. Shirley retired at the age of 68. By then, all three daughters were married and on their own.

Around 1978, the, then empty-nesters moved to their final home in Roseville, CA. Mother, who was a longtime gardener, ("The Better Homes and Gardens" type with beautiful gardens fit for publication) enlisted her husbands' help to create a little Heaven on Earth with water falls, koi ponds,spa, multi- layered redwood deck, and so many trees, flowers and shrubs and tasteful garden art. Birds and butterflies were always welcome. Until her death moms' garden was her pride and joy and she attributed her gardening to keeping her young. She was like the "Ever Ready Bunny", always on the go. Our family had so many memorable times in her home and garden.

Shirley also loved to travel and scrapbooked all of her trips to create a visual record of the wonderment she felt from visiting so many places in the U.S. and abroad. Trips to Australia, New Zealand, China, Mexico, Central America and more were taken through the years with family and friends. Some of her other loves were reading, interior decorating and gathering with friends. She attended a monthly scrabble club and a wine club. She also played scrabble on line with two other players and did the daily crossword puzzles from the Bee and the New York Times. She adored poker and played with family and friends throughout her adult life. Shirley loved to win at any game. She also liked to complete jig saw puzzles and frequently had one going on her dining room table. As for her occasional trip to a casino, her game was the "Craps Table".

Our mother was an exceptional person who was always ready to listen and offer help and a shoulder to cry on. She was the best mother and friend we could have had and we were blessed to have her for so many years. Shirley will be buried beside her husband of 60 years at the National VA Cemetery at Dixon, CA on November 4, 2024. The world is a sadder place without her optimistic presence. Rest in peace Mom, and don't criticize if the gardens in Heaven are not as pretty as yours. With all our love forever, your family.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, 2024.