WAHL, Shirley J.

Shirley J. Wahl 80, passed away on July 1, 2010, following a several-year struggle with vascular dementia. She was born on July 12, 1929, the youngest child of Herbert and Ann Pelke, and was raised in Harvey, IL. Shirley's career in support of education included a long tenure as secretary to the president(s) of North Central College in Naperville, IL and culminated in serving as the inaugural secretary to the principal of DeGrazia Elementary School in Tucson. She was proudest, however, of her role as loving mother and grandmother. Following her retirement from the Marana School District, Shirley went on to volunteer at Northwest Hospital and Nash Elementary School. She was a woman of deep faith and incredible generosity, known for her cheerful, helpful, and caring nature. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, as well as stepfather, Garrett Bruggink; sister, Virginia Rosenbaum; and brother, Donald Pelke. She is survived by brother, Herbert (Patty) Pelke; her children, Sandra (Richard) Heilman, Kirby (Laura) Wahl and JoAnn (Herman) Salazar; grandchildren, Kelley (Phil) Gruca, Timothy and Karlyn Heilman, Skyler and McCrae Wahl; great-grandson, Jeremy Gruca; many nieces and nephews, and numerous "grand-dogs," including Chance and Güera, who so enjoyed visiting her at Normandel Place. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1431 W. Magee on Friday, July 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Shirley's family suggests memorial gifts to St. Mark's, the Primavera Foundation, or the American Heart Association . The family also extends its deepest thanks to Mom's loyal friends, the St. Mark's community, and the staffs of Normandel Place and Heartland Hospice for their excellent, loving care. Published in the Tucson Newspapers on July 11, 2010