Shirley Jean Cooper (née Sanchez) passed away on February 16, 2024, in Walnut Creek, CA. She was 77 years old.

Shirley was born on July 29,1946 in Victoria, TX, to Gertha Mae Harris, who preceded her in death.

A 1964 graduate of Victoria High School, Shirley was known among her instructors for her intelligence, with a special talent for Latin and a head for numbers. She was also a majorette. As a young child, Shirley sang at various school recitals attended by members of her community. She held a range of jobs following her graduation from high school and for a brief period studied nursing. She later pursued and received her certification as a Respiratory Therapist Technician—working at San Antonio’s Bexar County Hospital District, which in 1994 was renamed University Health System to demonstrate its long-term commitment to its academic mission. Later, Shirley relocated to California’s Bay Area where she remained until her death. While there she worked for Xerox and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni).

Shirley was a great cook and known as a generous and skilled entertainer among the neighbors, friends, and caregivers who became a part of her community over the years. She was a lover of good food, good music, and good company. If she had all three and an ocean view, she would be delighted! Her favorite prayer was the Serenity Prayer, which she recited regularly with a reading of “Our Daily Bread” every morning, for as long as her eyes and mind permitted.

Shirley leaves behind 3 daughters, of whom she was exceedingly proud--Shawna W. Cuellar (Seguin, TX), Cathrine P. Washington (Houston, TX), and Toya M. Cooper (Walnut Creek, CA) and 4 beautiful grandchildren, Jessica, Kalup, Christa and Tyler who all reside in Texas.

Shirley’s family and friends will hold a private memorial service honoring her memory.