Shirley Joan Green

Shirley Joan (Derham) Green, born December 1, 1941, in San Francisco, died September 15, 2015, at home in Novato in the embrace of her family. She lived her final days as she lived all her days, with humor, courage, and a grateful, loving heart.

A fourth-generation San Franciscan, Shirley descended from California pioneers, and their spirit ran deep in her. She traveled far and wide, often with her trusted companions, cousin Karen Shannon and sister-in-law Carol Derham. Her energy was boundless, and “always roaming with a hungry heart, much did she see and know.” She favored Ireland, her ancestral homeland, and found there a warm welcome in the homes of her cousins.

Shirley possessed great spirit and intelligence. She knew adversity but never did it get the better of her. She had a keen wit, and was ready with a quick, humorous reply when the moment required it. She was a loyal, sympathetic friend, a beloved sister, aunt, and cousin, and a caring mother, selflessly devoted to her grandchildren. She will be always missed, never forgotten.

Shirley was predeceased in death by her parents (Charles and Margaret Derham), her brother (Jack Derham), and her niece (Meg Stratford). She is survived by her children and grand children: Lawrence (Monica) Green and son, Eli; Vicki (Terry) Zink and children, Kaitlyn and Clayton; and Phil (Nikki) Green, and their children, Justin and Laurel. She leaves her siblings, Marilyn Stratford and Robert Derham, her sister-in-law, Carol Derham, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donations may be made in memory of Shirley Green to Hospice by the Bay, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd Larkspur CA 94939, or the UCSF Foundation, Liver Transplant Service, Attn: Sarah Krumholz PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339.

Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial mass at Our Lady of Loretto, 1806 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947, on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at 10:30 am, with a reception to follow.