Shirley Ann Smith

Obituary

S
Shirley Ann Smith, 89, of Boulder, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024. Cherished for her warmth and infectious sense of humor, Shirley led a life filled with adventure and love, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Shirley was born on June 9, 1935, in Tonawanda, New York, where she grew up with her parents, Dorothy and Paul House and older sister, Janet Hessel. Raised in Tonawanda, she graduated from Tonawanda High School and spent time with friends ice skating in the winter, taking trips to Canada, and playing basketball and softball. She often regaled us with favorite stories about sneaking out as a toddler to visit her beloved grandmother who lived several blocks away, and of course, the food: Buffalo wings, Pee-Wee's pizza, and beef on weck!

In 1962, with her then-husband, Norman Smith, and their children, Michael, Suzanne and Randall went boldly forth when they moved to Micronesia, living on the islands of Guam, Korror, where they welcomed their youngest child, Norman Jr., and Saipan. During this time she discovered her passion for education, serving as a physical education teacher and guidance counselor at Barrigada Jr. High School.

After relocating to Boulder in 1977, Shirley worked at different places including some time with the Boulder Valley School District. Eventually, she found a home when she joined the Commerce Children's Center, a child care center at the US Commerce Department campus. There, she became known for her delicious home-cooked meals, delighting children and staff alike. Over her 20 years at CCC, she fostered a nurturing environment, forming lifelong friendships and creating a sense of community through her love of cooking.

Beyond her professional contributions, Shirley was the heart of her family. Her unwavering support and boundless love served as a beacon of strength for her loved ones. Her legacy of kindness, quick wit, and unforgettable recipes will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Paul House, her sister, Janet King, her former husband, Norman Smith, and her son, Randall. She is survived by her children, Dr. Michael (Kim) Montague-Smith of Ellicott City MD, Suzanne (Larry) Strear of Boulder CO, and Norman (Ronda) Smith of Castle Rock CO, her grandchildren Oliver, Emily, Nathaniel, Brittni, Seth, and her great-grandchild, Franklin.

A walk on the hillside to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held on the grounds outside of the Commerce Children’s Center on October 12, 2024. People may park on the street and meet at the intersection of Hollyberry Lane and Foxtail Court at 10:00am. The Commerce Children’s Center Association will be accepting donations in Shirley’s memory with proceeds used to create a memorial in her name.

Anyone interested in donating should contact erika winter at
erika.winter.work@gmail.com

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Memory wall

December 3, 2024

I left my job at Brookdale 2 weeks prior to Shirley's passing. I loved Shirley ♥ her sharp wit and infectious smile always brightened my day. She would always tell me " thank you for your day" as I was heading home. She will truly be missed.

Jennifer Wilson

October 24, 2024

An appreciation delivery to recognize their good care of Shirley was made to Brookdale staff by Sue R., Sue L. and erika. This resulted in a heartfelt telling of Shirley's weekly part in putting together the fresh flowers for the dining room. It is very clear how dear Shirley was to residents and staff alike at Brookdale with her captivating stories and her many contributions, whether helping around the place or participating in resident activities. She is forever memorable to the folks at Brookdale!

erika

October 10, 2024

Where does one begin? Shirley was a friend like no other, but one who really became family in a very big way. I could talk about her for days and days. I suppose she would want me to share the infamous moment when we first bonded. I was a mere boy of 20 when I started at CCC. On my 21st birthday I ventured out for a full night of festivities in Boulder. The next morning I was doing the walk of shame back to my vehicle. It was very hot, I was not feeling well, and I was still dressed in my black duds from the evening before. Out for Sunday morning adventures, Shirley spotted me, pulled over, and said, "Hey Buddy, do you need a ride?"
I was mortified and worried about my reputation as an early childcare provider. What were the odds. I am sure the scent coming off me was toxic. As she dropped me off, Shirley told me, "We won't mention this to the children." From then on, she was mi amor.
Thankfully Shirley left us with much to assure she's with us, but.... well, you know 😭

Beau Townsend

October 8, 2024

Our daughter, Kaylin, is a CCC Alumnus (1995-1999). We hold the Center, staff and programming in the highest regard. Shirley is a special, central, figure in our experience. We cherish and will never forget, her warmth, nurturing and mac-n-cheese! (I'm glad someone posted the recipe in the photos; I still have my copy.) Thank you Shirley for your loving presence, delicious food, and impeccable service to so many children and families.

Cheryl Rochford

October 6, 2024

Shirley had a love of sport teams in Colorado…
I joined her with my sweet Tori and friend to a Rockies game and we definitely had to go in style!
I also got to see the celebration of the Broncos “victory parade” downtown Denver with Shirl via a bus ride from Boulder!

Sue Reiss

October 6, 2024

It was The Boulder Boulder many years back and Shirl and I walked the 6.2 miles together! Every time we came upon a mile marker I would take a selfie of us so we would both remember this wonderous event! We would laugh so hard we had to stop and catch our breath which backed us further….As we got to the last mile we saw a sign on the back of a participant which read, “ If you are behind me, you will not be a part of the celebration in the stadium “
Boy did we book it and enjoyed our accomplishment together!
Love you my friend🩷

Sue Reiss

October 6, 2024

At 28 years of age, with a strong recommendation from Mary Jane to hire, I was considering appointing Shirley as Commerce Children’s Center’s cook with some trepidation. I wondered, as a newly promoted Director, whether I could I lead someone as old as my mother? “You’ll never find a harder worker,” said my mom when I asked for advice. Never more true with Shirley!
Hiring Shirley continues to be one of my best ever decisions. Not only did she develop & deliver an exceptional food program, she became a true champion of children and families and a beacon for staff. To me, she was my hero, my support, my friend.
Shirley teased me about my hesitation to hire her in the beginning and I can only hope she understood my awe and appreciation of her along with my never-ending devotion.
I love you, Shirley – I love the all the ways you added to my life and I forever cherish what we shared.

erika

October 6, 2024

When asked for three words to describe Shirley, her CCC friends resoundingly responded.

Shirley IS ....
strong, feisty, with a great laugh!
determined, adventurous, kind!
culinaritastic, svelte, tough!
BIGGEST HEART EVER!
compassionate, organized, sense of humor!
Her amazing stories! (Lee Marvin!)
smart, fun loving, glorious!
a natural with children!
food, good storyteller, funny, Taco Salad Day and that smile!
sweet, spicy, caring!
resourceful, genuine, wholehearted!
Sweet 'n Sassy Shirl!
ár gcroí grámhar! -in Gaelic "our loving heart"
macaroni and cheese! said by many
loveable, storyteller, Pepsiholic!
kind, warm, thoughtful!
genuine, amazing, funny!
laughter, kindness, Pepsi!
patience, sweetheart, hot sauce!
creative, fun, kind!
spunky, loving, mac & cheese!
kindest, funniest, love!
best cook ever!
warm hug on a cold day!
advisor, friend, chef!
sassy, sarcastic, kind!
unflappable, caring, playful!
dedicated, supportive, a true friend!
kindness, gentle, love, birthday lunches!
lovely, tough, gentle!
She and her food were the most popular things in the building!
loyal, reliable, hardworking!
Mac-n-Cheese, Warm, Nurturing!

erika

September 26, 2024

There was nothing better than Shirley’s Mac and Cheese as a kid and I never understood why so many people just couldn’t “make it like Shirley’s”. I will never forget the day in preschool when I had grown just a little taller and smacked my head on the cement tunnel while playing outside. I started bleeding pretty bad and was very scared as I started to realize what had happened and see the blood around me. Suddenly I was whisked inside with many teachers around me trying to help calm me down and clean my face up so I could go to the hospital. By the time I opened my eyes again, the first person I could see and hear in that moment was Shirley. Somehow she had stopped everything she was doing and made it all the way over to me to help settle me down and wait for my dad. There wasn’t anyone else I would have wanted there with me that day than her and haven’t forgotten it for nearly 30 years. She did it all with love and kindness and will be missed so very much.

Nic Christopher

September 25, 2024

Oh Miss Shirl, how I will miss you. I have so many fond memories of you. I loved sitting in the kitchen with you and chatting about your life before moving to Colorado. We shared the same birth city. I loved learning how to cook for all the kiddos at ccc on days you were out. Hope you are enjoying all the Pepsi you can wherever you are. Sending your family lots of hugs and love. Miss you sweet Shirl 💜💜

Saja Dingler

September 25, 2024

Sadly I will miss the gathering. I have such fond memories of Shirley from my time at CCC. When I first started working there Shirley kindly took me under her wing and freely offered her friendship before anyone else. Being new, older and shy she showed me the ropes, fed me as needed and welcomed me with open arms❤️ I will never forget you Shirley❤️

Priscilla Jewell