Shirley Marie Hooper

Shirley was born October 13, 1941, in West, Texas, the daughter of Alfred and Flora Schutza. She was raised with her three brothers and two sisters on a farm near Ross, where she graduated from West High School.

Her marriage to John Girard brought forth a son and daughter, Michael and Michele Girard, while living in Bellmead, Texas.

In 1969, Shirley married the love of her life, George Harold Hooper and they moved to Angleton, Texas to raise their family. They were blessed with a son, Darrell Hooper.

Shirley was a small town gal with high hopes of more adventure and travel - a dream she shared with George. They travelled all over the world and made life-long friendships along the way.

Ever the fighter, she won her battle against breast cancer in 1997. Her vibrancy was regained and she never slowed down.

After the passing of her beloved husband George in 2003, Shirley filled her life spending time with her family, getting to know her six grandchildren, her new great grandson, volunteering at the Christi House and Safe Place, enjoying outings with her good friend, Mary, and hanging out with her many friends and neighbors. She was the ‘matriarch’ of her neighborhood, hosting numerous swimming parties on holidays.

Shirley was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas and made many friends through her Bible study group.

Her passion was tending to her flowers and garden as her garden was a showcase and it brought her much joy.

She also enjoyed attending the Schutza family Christmas gatherings and looked forward to outings with her sisters and girl cousins of the family.

Shirley was diagnosed with aggressive cancer in January. Knowing the probable and inevitable outcome, Shirley decided to forego treatment and accept God’s plan to reunite with George in Heaven.

Preceding Shirley in death was her husband, George Hooper; parents, Alfred and Flora Schutza; brothers Lawrence and Gene Schutza; step-son, Kevin Hooper, and many in-laws.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Michele Girard Cole, husband Marc Cole of Round Rock, Texas; her oldest son, Michael Lee Girard, wife Kristen Girard of Austin, Texas; and youngest son, Darrell Royal Hooper, wife Dina Hooper, of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Geoffrey and Micaela Yule, Mila and Jessa Girard and Karla and Mason Hooper; Kris and Mandy Cole of Bastrop, Texas; great-grand child Greyson Cole; sisters, Doris A. Bradford of N. Richland Hills and Carol Y. Snider of Waco, sister-in-law Margie Schutza of West; brother, Al Schutza, and wife Carrie of Mesa, Arizona. Also surviving are countless extended family members and friends (especially Mary Jansen and Teri Suarez), neighbors, and her constant little companion Sassie.

The viewing will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018, from 6 - 9 pm at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas. Services will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX. Burial will take place at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock, Austin, TX. A reception for family and friends will be held at Shirley’s house, 10813 Sierra Oaks, Austin, TX, immediately following the burial.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her illness. Donations may be made to The Christi House, http://christicenter.org/ in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences can be left at the Caring Bridge.com under Shirley’s name. Additionally, fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Hooper family.