Shirley Ann Palacio

Shirley Devine Palacio passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2023. Shirley resided in Vallejo, CA most of her life. She was 88 years old. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Oscar M. Palacio, and four children: the late David Palacio; Lori Palacio; Steven Palacio; Karen Fourre (Robert Fourre); and Lisa Stoner (Jon Stoner). Eight wonderful Grandchildren: Jason Murray; Jennifer Lewis; Laurette Estigoy; Thomas Bond Jr.; Gina Young; Carly Winzenburg; Jessica Dajao, and Alex Sepulveda. She has thirteen beautiful Great-Grandchildren whom she adored. Shirley has two sisters: Joan McCann, and the late Kathy Devine. Shirley was born in the home of her grandmother in Alliance, Ohio to parents William C. Devine, and Julia M. Yukich. Shirley moved to California’s Russian River with her parents when she was 3. When her father joined the service during World War 2, her family moved back to Ohio and lived with her grandmother until the war was over. Her father was MIA during the war after his plane was shot down over Germany. He was finally released as a POW when the war ended, and her family again moved back to California, in Vallejo. She met and fell in love with Oscar after meeting on a blind date; they were married in 1952. Shirley worked at Mr. Ed’s as a waitress until deciding to work for the Vallejo Unified School District. She went from a temporary position in Food Service at various Vallejo schools, to Cafeteria Manager at Steffan Manor School until retiring. Shirley with her fun adventurous spirit, was always willing to try something new! She travelled with her husband all over the United States pulling their travel trailer, and eventually began taking a number of various cruises. She travelled to Italy where her maternal Grandmother grew up, and to Paris with her sister Joan. Shirley loved animals (had many species; cats and dogs were her favorite) and donated to their cause for years, as well as to the Disabled Veterans. Shirley loved reading, painting, bowling, scrapbooking, genealogy, and gardening. She was a member of the Vallejo Fuchsia Society for over 35 years; the Vallejo Senior Center, and even worked the California Election Polls. Learning something new anyway she could, was a way of life for her. She took numerous courses, or would learn from reading, and from others. Shirley packed so much living and adventure into her life throughout the years. If she was interested, then she was determined to try it! She said, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” She didn’t let much stop her. Shirley loved her family, and friends with a passion. People remember her most for being kind, and genuinely interested in them, and what they had to say. Her favorite sayings were, “Come Early, Stay Late,” and “The More the Merrier!” She honestly had a saying for every situation, which is both memorable, and precious! Her beautiful loving, and amazing spirit for living life to the fullest, will be missed tremendously. A private family Celebration of Life will take place at her home on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Shirley Ann Palacio

May 29, 1935 - July 22, 2023