We are all here to celebrate the life of Shirley Fox. I can’t believe the day is here, even though I have prepared for it for a long time. Mom has lived a full life of 93 years, 20 days short of her 94th.
I thank God for the gift of time that he granted to us. In 2014, the curse of breast cancer, stage 4, hit. She knew she didn’t want surgery or chemo, but just wondered if there was just a pill she could take! And sure enough there was! In hindsight, breast cancer actually gave her a new lease on life. She came to our house on hospice to die, but instead, with the help from many caregivers and companions she began to thrive. Many doctors wrote her off. We were able to give love, like water to a wilting plant, and the flower began to bloom. God had a plan!
Once she moved into Unit B, Mom completely forgot her old life living on Old Adobe Way. She amazed us how she easily adapted to her new surroundings, despite my worries and concerns. The beauty was that mom never dwelled on having cancer and had no fear of it. She just lived her life, day to day. Making the most of every day. Some of her favorite activities were eating fish and chips at Phil’s Fish House, swooning over Pasquale Esposito, shopping, coloring, playing Bingo and most recently watching in wonder the Sea Elephants in San Simeon.
During this borrowed time she had the opportunity to welcome 4 great grandchildren into the world and create a lasting bond with each one. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing them, hearing about them, shopping for them and loving them.
God had a plan!
A quote I found on her bulletin board reads– “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing”.
I’d like to invite anyone would like to share a story or memory of Shirley and then let’s play one last game of Bingo in her honor!

Being Shirley’s caregiver, I learned very early on how adventurous Shirley was. She was up for anything near or far!  Her favorite was Phil’s Fishmarket in Moss Landing and she was always amazed in San Francisco especially a visit to Coit Tower and lunch at The Cliff House.  Knowing her and her wonderful family changed my life. I’m 55 and I want to be like her when I grow up! I miss you!