Shirley Fay Crum

Shirley Fay Crum was born in San Jose, California on August 17, 1931, and went to meet the Lord on January 17, 2022, at the age of 90.

She was the only child of Alfred Bequette and Charlotte Montgomery. The family moved to Watsonville when Shirley was a child. She attended local elementary and high schools Hartnell College, and San Jose State University. She graduated from San Jose State with a teaching credential, specializing in kindergarten and primary grades. While at San Jose State, she met Richard (Dick) Crum. They were happily married for 27 years, until his death in 1980.

Shirley taught for 37 years at PVUSD, such as: Bradley Elementary, Radcliff Elementary, and Amesti Elementary, from which she retired in 1991. She was a Student Teaching Supervisor for Bethany College from 1999-2000. Shirley was a mentor to teach Sally Leach. Her friend and fellow teacher, Esther Jessee, said the three of them were friends since 1962. Following Shirley's retirement, she was active in professional organizations, California Retired Teachers Association, and Delta Cappa Gamma. She was honored to be elected President of the local chapter of the Santa Cruz County Branch of CRTA and was on the board a number of years.

In her retirement, Shirley, and her good friend Mary Joe Stetzl, were able to travel to Australia with the Watsonville Community Band. Shirley was a dog lover and had several little dogs throughout her life. The neighbors on Atri Court would see her walking her beloved little mixed- breed, Penny, every day. "Shirley was a giving, loving, and fun person to be with. She was a lovely, lovely woman," said Esther.

Not having any family to help her in old age, she was lovingly looked after by her dear friend and neighbor, Marilynn Rivers.

Graveside services will be on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 12 noon at Oakwood Memorial Park and Cemetery in Santa Cruz, California. Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or the California Retired Teachers Association. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · January 28, 2022