Shirley J. McCALL

McCALL, Shirley J.
Shirley had an exemplary career in public service spanning more than 30 years. She began as an administrative assistant at Atascadero State Hospital in 1974 working her way up to a Labor Relations Analyst before relocating to Sacramento in 1985 to work at the Dept. of Mental Health. She transferred to the Dept. of Personnel Ad- ministration in 1986 where she took on progressively responsible positions as Labor Relations Analyst, Legislative Specialist, and Public Affairs Officer. She approached her work with energy, creativity and sensitivity to the needs of state workers while protecting the interests of tax- payers in efficient & responsible government. Legislators, their staff, and members of the media loved Shirley for her forthrightness, candor, expertise & follow through - traits that served her well. She consistently explored new paths and never feared new challenges.

Shirley also knew how to have fun as evidenced by a 'LaVerne and Shirley' retirement party (yes she retired with a colleague LaVerne).

Upon her retirement in 2000 Shirley moved to Sierra Madre to be closer to her children and grandchildren, the great loves of her life. But never one to rest on her laurels, Shirley soon began working in the Glendale office of CalPERS, where for seven years she assisted state, school, and local government employees prepare for their own retirements. She mastered a highly technical set of formulas and helped to simplify the retirement process for countless individuals with her unique flair for communicating with humor and clarity.

Since January 2011, Shirley has worked as a Retired Annuitant in the Los Angeles Office of the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), where she once again performed valuable public service to California's labor relations community.

She will be sorely missed by all of her co-workers, who treasured their time with her. Paraphrasing their sentiments, Shirley was the ultimate professional, full of style, class and charm. She left behind such a positive impression in all of our lives and we are all better for having known her. Shirley's children and grandchildren are her greatest legacy. They were lucky to have been the lights of her life for so many years.

A memorial service will be held at Sierra Madre in Southern Calif. on 9/21/13. For details please email LMC@kearneybaker.com. In lieu of flowers, you would honor Shirley by making a memorial donation to http://www.elephants.com/.