Shirley Louise Long

Many things can be said about Shirley Louise Long. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Shirley was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Shirley was born on January 17, 1938 at Peabody General Hospital in Peabody Massachusetts. Her parents were Leo and Margretta Scarnegie. When she was young, Shirley's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Shirley demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Shirley grew up with six siblings. Shirley was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Shirley carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Shirley was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Shirley was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Shirley could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in ice skating. In her spare time she liked reading, sewing, work. Shirley's memorable achievements included winning spelling bee and special projects. However, to Shirley, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Shirley had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Peabody High School in 1955. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Shirley had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Shirley was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Shirley as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

Always considered a “good” friend, Shirley sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Shirley always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Shirley’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Shirley would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Shirley was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, her best friend was Phyllis Harrington, who introduced her to James (Jim).

Compassionate and devoted, Shirley worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that Jim came first in Shirley’s book. She was always caring and made certain that she considered Jim’s feelings. By trusting her emotions, Shirley did her best to make sure that both the marriage of over 65 years and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Shirley was truly a person of empathy.

Shirley’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Shirley shared these values with her four children, Linda, David, Steven and Janice. Shirley related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Shirley experienced success in her work life over and over again. She was employed for 12 years as an accountant at a corrugated box plant and for 18 years as an auditor for the labor union. Shirley always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Shirley took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Shirley was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Shirley continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Shirley took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing for family and home projects such as gourmet cooking, baking and gardening. Shirley enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Shirley was well known to others for her ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed her as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, she was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld her personal values. Serving on committees for church functions.

Shirley’s faith was important to her. She was a member at a Christian Church in Oregon for 20 years and at a Christian Church in Pahrump for 15 years. During that time, she served at various church activities; she particularly loved doing Mother-Daughter Teas. She was compassionate and warm-hearted; someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

Shirley enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Shirley were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included those in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. She always loved vacation and being with those she loved.

Shirley was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Some of Shirley's favorite were Bingo, A German Shepherd Mix, Toby, a Maltese Poodle, Sammie, a Poodle and Snow, a Samoyed. Her family was rounded out by her one cat, Bobby.

When Shirley’s retirement finally came in May 1, 2002, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Shirley had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Shirley knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her new life involved relocating to Pahrump, Nevada as all her children were in the southwest. In retirement, she found new pleasure in staying active in church and keeping up with her hobbies of baking, cooking and gardening. Even in retirement, Shirley continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Shirley passed away on February 6, 2021 at home in North Las Vegas, Nevada. She is survived by husband, James, children, Linda and Jim, David and Jane, Steven and Acela and Janie; her 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary. Shirley was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery.

Throughout her life, Shirley was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Shirley leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Shirley Louise Long.