Joan Shirley

Joan Shirley, born August 21, 1928 in Liverpool, England, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 18, 2024 in her Littleton, Colorado home.

 

Joan was born and raised in Liverpool, England. She was the sixth and final child born to Ruth and Ernest Beyer. She was a devoted sister to each of her five siblings. After World War II, she met the love of her life, Philip Shirley, an American Airman stationed in Lancashire, England. Following their 1951 wedding in Liverpool, the couple began their amazing marriage that spanned a lifetime of 73 loving years. 

 

After arriving in the USA as a newlywed and expectant mother in 1952, Joan went on to become a beloved mother to a son, Philip John, and two daughters, Susan Lynn and Judith Ann. She embraced her new home in America and became a US Citizen in 1956. Military life was an adventure of moving frequently, but Joan had the quality of making every new base assignment a home for her family.

 

Although Joan was most proud of being a homemaker, she was also a proud member of the Retail Clerks Union. In addition to the several occupations she held throughout her life, she spent many years volunteering at her church. 

 

Joan was a passionate and devoted Christian woman. All those who came into her life knew of her immeasurable love for her family and her deeply compassionate heart. She was an incredibly caring and loving woman with a heart for animals and for those in need. She exemplified kindness and empathy to all. She will always be remembered for her sense of understated elegance, the ability to accept every situation with grace, her charming British accent, and always offering a cup of tea to anyone that would visit her home.

 

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Philip Shirley, and their three children, Phil, Sue and Judy. She was very proud of each of her nine grandchildren, David Philip, Adrienne, John, David Andrew, Michelle, Jennifer, Laura, Rachel and Leah. Her great grandchildren, Mason, Cole, Wesley, Ezekiel, Chloe, Logan, Austin, Avery, Ryan, Adam, Jackson, and a new baby girl arriving in March, held such a special place in her heart. 

 

Joan loved and touched the hearts of everyone in a very special way. She will be missed incredibly by her husband, family both near and overseas, along with many special friends and neighbors.

A Funeral Service honoring Joan's life will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:00AM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood.  A reception will immediately follow the service at the Horan & McConaty Reception Center.

Joan will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Please share your memories of Joan and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.