Associate Shirley Witlin, August 3, 1942-November 12, 2021

Associate Shirley Witlin passed away on Friday, November 12, in Oxnard, California.

Shirley was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was taught by the BVM sisters at St. Patrick’s and attended Clarke College in Dubuque for two years. She is survived by her two daughters Sylvia and Donelle (Dawn) and her son, Frederick Gilbert-Austin. She had five grandchildren. Makenna, Laila, Declan, Shane, and Christian.  Shirley was a social worker in Camarillo, Calif., specializing in aging, working with the Ventura County Behavioral Health Center. She enjoyed reading, nature, and walking on the beach.

Shirley was accepted as an associate on April 17, 2009. Her companions included BVMs Mary Jean Ferry, C. Jean Hayen, and Vicki Smurlo. She participated in the Montrose cluster in person and via Zoom meetings. In her application, Shirley saw her associate journey as an opportunity to “practice charity and patience,” to make her “voice heard to change social injustices,” and to give of her “time and talent to my parish family.”

Shirley had moved into a new residence a couple of months ago and already had a circle of friends there. Her memorial service will be held at Padre Serra Church, Camarillo, Calif., on December 22, at 11:00 am.

Condolences may be sent to her daughter:

Donelle (Dawn) Conley

5333 Heather St.

Camarillo CA 93012