Shirley Marie Salmon

Shirley Marie Housholder Salmon passed peacefully into the hands of her Heavenly Father on May 1, 2022, in the presence of her husband and eternal companion after a long struggle with multiple health issues resulting in respiratory failure. She was 71 years young.

She was born August 21, 1950, in Lynwood, CA to John William (Bill) Housholder and June Dawn Nelson Ferrier. Raised in Long Beach, she met her future husband while attending Millikan high school on the east side of town. One year out of high school she married Michael Joseph Salmon on June 14, 1969, and soon two beautiful children were born, Tammie Lynn and Cynthia Marie. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1978 in search of new adventures and broader horizons. Over the next 44 years her life was indeed filled with many adventures and wonderful experiences. With Mike, she was blessed with the opportunity to travel abroad. There were trips to Switzerland, Spain, some of the Caribbean islands, Mexico, the Fiji Islands and Australia. There were also multiple trips to the Hawaiian Islands.

She loved flying in our little airplane to domestic cities from coast to coast, too many to list. But always a visit to the local Antique Store was the highlight of any trip. She was intensely proud of her two girls and devoted the early years to raising them in a nurturing and loving environment. Then, as grandchildren appeared she extended her love to them as well. Amidst this, she found time for active participation in LDS church callings and was particularly proud of her long service in teaching and leadership positions with the Relief Society. An active supporter of the school system, she was chosen to lead a group of friends and parents to reactivate the Jackson Mid-School PFO organization and lobbied successfully for much needed improvements. Later she became active in support of the Foothills substation of the Albuquerque Police Department and hosted events to support their efforts.

Her close relationship with her stepfather Steve Wilson Housden, a career law enforcement officer, was much of her motivation in befriending the local officers. Later, she became involved as a volunteer with the Presbyterian Hospital Pediatric Oncology group, known to her affectionately as her “cancer kids”. She reveled in the successful outcomes of many and stayed in touch with them long after her volunteer days ended. Her empathy and love were boundless for all children, but especially those struggling with health issues. And all through this, she was a faithful and supportive wife in the traditional sense. When Mike was offered a career advancement opportunity in Albuquerque, she unhesitatingly said good-bye to her family and friends in Long Beach to follow his dreams and start a new life there. Later, she actively supported events associated with the business including some spectacular and well attended Christmas banquets, company picnics and luncheons. Often viewed as the ‘softer side’ of the business, her contributions were invaluable.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Michael Joseph Salmon; children, Tammie Lynn Shepherd, and Cynthia Marie Rupprecht; grandchildren, Anthony (Brooklynn), Austin (Shaylie), Amanda (Parker), Adrianna, Alyssa (Guage), Ajay (Madison) and Jerry (Kimberley). Eddie, Tasha, Mikey, Jessie and Alex (still born); six great-grandchildren and twins on the way; brothers, Thomas (Marla), Gary (Patricia) and Stanley (deceased); and sisters, Stephanie O’Connell and Sandra Hall.

The family thanks you for your prayers and well wishes.

A Celebration of Life Service for Shirley will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at FRENCH – Lomas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation for Children’s Oncology department in Shirley’s memory. Give.phs.org.