Shirley Ann Garske's Obituary
Shirley Ann Garske, 89 of Chula Vista, California passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 17, 2025 from natural causes. Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Ray and Dorothy Garske, she grew up with a fascination towards world travel, culture and art.
Soon after high school she obtained education as a “secretary” and got her passport. This career led her to work for the US State Department in the Congo in Central Africa. While there, she explored the streets on her free time not as a tourist but as a collector of experiences. Her relatives enjoyed the 8 mm film of the exotic animals, countryside and beautiful native sculptures she shipped back home. She enjoyed traveling throughout the Africa continent, learning and observing.
In her element, while in her 20’s, a 1960 overthrow of the government lead to the retreat of the US State Department and her return to the states. Shirley would eventually land in Chula Vista, CA by way of her sister Janet. She settled in making new friends, developing a taste for classical music, vegetarian food and playing Bingo. After many years as an Administrative Assistant with the Department of Health and Human Services, she retired to start a new chapter in life.
Shirley kept her sense of adventure alive and her motto was “Life Is a Gift.” She enjoyed being stylish with her clothes and jewelry. Her acquired art from her travels was proudly displayed in her home at the Pacific Pointe Active Senior Living Community where she took every class pertaining to the arts.
Although raised in the Catholic Church, she converted to the Jewish faith with the guidance of Rabbi Michael Samuel of the Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista. This gave her a sense of meaning, a spiritual purpose in life and a community which brought her much happiness.
She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Ray Garske. She is survived by her sisters Patricia Smith of Wyandotte, Oklahoma and Janet Aragon of Chula Vista, California and her many nephews and nieces and their children. A private burial will take place on 2/28 at Greenwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please say a prayer of thankfulness for knowing Shirley and her love of an adventurous life.
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