Shirley L. Myers has passed away at the age of 92. Her life will be celebrated at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church on December 27 at 2 p.m. She devoted her life to her family, to the church and to community service. Her engaging smile, kindness, generosity and the warmth of her personality will be sorely missed by all who had the benefit of knowing her.
Shirley was born on May 13, 1931 in Los Angeles to Romaine and I.J. Littrell. Raised in Westwood, she graduated from University High School. She attended USC, where she became a lifelong fan of Trojan football and began her decades-long association with Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Orthopaedic Guild. It was there that she met her husband Richard (who passed away in 2003 after more than 50 years of marriage). They moved to La Cañada in 1955 and joined LCPC at that time. They had 5 children over a period of 8 years.
A fierce advocate for the children of La Cañada Flintridge, she joined the La Cañada Elementary School PTA in 1958. Over the years she served in many roles, including President of the La Cañada Council PTA as well as an officer of the National PTA. Making the national news, Shirley organized a large group of concerned mothers that stood fearlessly in front of CalTrans bulldozers, blockading the beginning of excavation at the intersection of Foothill Blvd., Verdugo Road and La Cañada Blvd. to construct the
210 Freeway. They successfully demanded that a pedestrian bridge be built over the site so that children attending LCE and Foothill Intermediate School could walk safely to school. Construction of the freeway at that location was halted until the long pedestrian bridge was completed.
Assistance League of Flintridge was another of Shirley’s passions, serving as president and eventually as a director of the National Assistance League. After the passage of Proposition 13, she was primarily responsible for establishing the ALF Instrumental Music Program for fourth- to sixth-grade students in La Cañada Flintridge. Thirty years later, three of her grandsons would be instructors in the program.
For 29 years, Shirley taught guitar at the La Cañada Youth House (now Community Center). Her classes included hundreds of students, from children to adults. She is fondly remembered for her skill at teaching, patience, wisdom and enthusiasm to this day. While also working at the Raven Bookstore, for many years she helped students obtain the required LCUSD reading books.
Shirley received many accolades over her life for her volunteer service, including the LCF Coordinating Council Les Tupper Individual Service Award in recognition of her service to the La Cañada Flintridge community (1976).
La Cañada Presbyterian Church and the Seafarers mariner group were an important part of Shirley’s life. For decades she served the church as an elder, Bible study leader and in the choir. In fact, she was the first to play the guitar in a service in the LCPC sanctuary. Shirley and Richard served as skippers of the Seafarers many times over the years, establishing deep, lasting friendships with dozens of fellow mariners.
Shirley also applied her outstanding organizational skills to family life. Her calm and loving demeanor and patience precluded potential chaos and provided quiet discipline to her offspring. The most devastating words one could hear from Mom were: “I’m very disappointed in you.” She hosted multiple gatherings over many years with over 30 extended family members in attendance. Of many fond memories, family vacations stand out. Beginning in 1968, the Myers would travel throughout the western United States for weeks at a time in their RV. Shirley would provision the trips, planning and packing the needed food and supplies to last the length of the voyage. The sight of the “rig” was impressive: station wagon, trailer, boat, motorcycle, bicycles, parents, 5 children and the family dog! A photograph of the array was featured on the cover of the La Cañada Valley Sun in 1969.
Later in life, Shirley and Richard traveled the world, visiting many countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. They frequently hosted friends and family at their vacation home in Pine Mountain Club.
Shirley will always be remembered for her positive outlook, her warmth, her kindness, her wisdom and that sunny smile.
Shirley leaves behind her children: Richard (Mary Emily), Anne Dwyer (Jim), Steven (Mii), Nancy Myers Cox, and a daughter-in-law Terri (son Cortland, IV predeceased her in 2020). She leaves 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A reception will follow the December 27 celebration service. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the La Cañada Presbyterian Church and the Assistance League of Flintridge.
