Shirley Jansson

JANSSON, SHIRLEY PHYLLIS MARIEBorn May 5, 1923 in Chicago, IL and departed this life on September 20, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Jansson; and parents, Mildred and Henry Tyrack. Shirley is survived by her children, James (Ann) Jansson of Denver, Lucy (Richard) Dale of Tucson, Bobbi (Tom) Clementi of Pueblo CO, Donna Jansson of Pueblo, and Andre (Jomel) Jansson of St. David, AZ; nine grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; and sister, Jeannine Van Eperen of Appleton, WI. Shirley graduated from Alvernia High School in Chicago prior to her marriage to "Bob" in 1942. Together they moved to Albuquerque in 1950 and established a lifelong bond with New Mexico. Shirley was a "Harvey Girl" at the Fred Harvey Kachina Room in the Albuquerque Airport where she met many celebrated persons, including Eleanor Roosevelt. She attended UNM and the College of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande. Shirley earned a Private Pilot's License in 1969 to help her husband with his growing business, Bob Jansson Aircraft Sales LTD. In ferrying aircraft for her husband's business, she made numerous solo flights crisscrossing the entire nation. She also earned her Realtor's License, her Broker's License, as well as her GRI Designation. Shirley was associated first with Century 21 and then RECA Better Homes and Gardens prior to retiring in 1997. As a founding member of the SanBern Federation of Republican Women, the group's first meeting was held in the living room of her then home located on Avenida La Barranca. She also had served as its treasurer. Shirley was elected to the Zoning Board for Paradise Hills on which she served for two years and was subsequently named the "Outstanding Citizen of Paradise Hills" in 2010 after living there for nearly 50 years. Shirley enjoyed skiing and, along with Bob, took their children on many memorable skiing trips. They also explored the far reaches of New Mexico and instilled a love of the state in their children. In addition she was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver. In retirement, she enjoyed volunteer work at Lovelace West Side Hospital. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10:00 a.m., at French - Westside Chapel. Please visit our online guest book for Shirley at Golf Course Rd NW505-897-0300