Shirley Jean Wood

Beloved wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother died peacefully at home. She was 82. Born in Oakpark, Illinois to parents Frank and Theresa Kaspar, Shirley was raised by her Mother and Step-father Roco Buda after moving to Los Angeles as a little girl. At the age of 14, she met and later married her childhood sweetheart, Frank Wood on January 29, 1949. They have two sons: Steve (wife Irene) and Gary (wife Sharon) and four grandchildren: Lara (husband Phil), Matthew, Connor and Claire. Shirley and Frank were married for 64 years! They moved to Long Beach in 1952 and lived in the same house for 43 years.

Shirley worked in the Business Office and History Dept at CSULB. Shirley retired in January 1991; they moved to Murrieta, CA in 1995, where they have lived for 18 years. They started cruising in 2002 enjoying 18 trips to major locals around the world. Shirley was known for making beautiful needlepoint pictures, knitting and socializing with family. Shirley remained very active until January 2012 when her latest illness would require multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Her spirit never wavered, her devotion to Frank never diminished and her love of life continued. Her 14 month battle with cancer is now over.

Shirley's favorite charity is Breast Cancer Angels. In lieu of flowers, donations to Breast Cancer Angels would be the perfect alternative. Memorial services for Shirley are Thursday, March 28 at Forest Lawn Cypress in the Church of Our Fathers.