CARPENTER, Shirley J.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Thursday, July 31, 2003 Shirley J. Carpenter, died July 25, 2003, her 68th birthday. Shirley will be most remembered for her contributions to the osteopathic medical profession, her commitment to foster children, her love of her own children, her great joy in her four grandchildren, and her love & generosity toward her family and multitude of friends. Her lifelong love of music and her own musical talents leave us with many music-filled memories of life with Shirley. Shirley was born and raised in Smith's Ferry, PA. She moved from Cincinnati, OH to Phoenix in 1967 with her husband & two children, Brent & Chris. She soon became a volunteer at John C. Lincoln Hospital, and in 1974 she joined Phoenix General Hospital as Director of Volunteers, & later as Director of Special Services. In 1983 she was instrumental in creating the AZ Foster Care Review Board & continued her volunteer work with them for the next 20 years. She received her B.S. in 1981 & her M.A. in 1987, both from the University of Phoenix. In 1990 she became Northwest Regional Manager for the American Osteopathic Association, where she worked until the present. For the past year, Shirley battled stomach cancer with the grace and courage typical of her life. She found peace in the final weeks of her life at the Hospice of the Valley's wonderful Gardiner Home. There she was able to both welcome & say goodbye to her family & friends with her usual charm, humor & hospitality. Shirley Carpenter, we love you & will always keep your smile close to our hearts. A memorial service celebrating Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2003 at 11:00 AM at the Hansen Mortuary Chapel, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please sent donations in memory of Shirley to the Ariz-ona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, P.O. Box 36233, Phoenix, AZ 85067, Attn: Jan Chisum.