Shirley Gatewood Flabiano

Shirley Ann Flabiano of Dallas died peacefully at her home Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2015. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, raised in Dallas by her mother Ann Gatewood and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. Shirley was creative by nature and wanted to build a career in an industry that would provide an outlet for her passion. Following high school, Shirley studied fashion design at the University of North Texas. It was during this time that she met Mattia Flabiano Jr., fell in love, wed and immediately started a family. During this time, she worked for Bobbie Brooks Clothing as a model and salesperson, as well as attended classes at Southern Methodist University. Shirley’s desire to create was finally fulfilled by earning a degree in Interior Design from El Centro College. She started SAS Interiors in Dallas in 1982 where she grew her business with a loyal following of clients and great friends. Shirley expanded her business with partner Roger Leighton and opened Trenz Gallery on Levee Street, a pioneer along the Trinity River. While our work ethic came from our father, our family’s energy, drive and passion for living came from our Mom. She was busy with life but she loved all of her sons, their families and her nine grandchildren who called her “LiLi”. Her mother Ann Mosley and our father Mattia Flabiano Jr. precede her in death. She is survived by her four caring sons, Mattia James Flabiano III and his wife Kay, Brenton Daryl Flabiano and his wife Michelle, Darin Bradley Flabiano and his wife Kristen and Brandon Kyle Flabiano and his wife Kim, all of Dallas; Nine adoring grandchildren, Nicholas James, Mattia James IV, Noah Brenton, Meredith Nicole, Emily Noelle, Christopher Charles, Olivia Paige, Chloe Marie and Peyton Brooke; Brother, Ernie Gatewood of Ingleside, Texas; her friend and companion David Morris; and the greatest group of girl friends anyone could ask for. She was loved and will be greatly missed. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2015 at Sparkman-Hillcrest, 7405 West Northwest Highway, immediately followed by a reception at the home of Mattia and Kay Flabiano. Please consider a donation in Memory of Shirley, to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org/