Shirley Ann Griggs

Shirley Ann Griggs (Perry) was born September 15, 1932, in San Francisco, California to loving parents William and Jean Perry. She is one of twelve children and is survived by brothers and sister James Perry, Leo Perry, and Noreen Wright. She was raised in Petaluma, California on a local farm. She milked cows for her family's dairy, and later in life she even “milked her doctor's hand”, she broke horses, barrel raced, and loved to ride bare back across the mountains. She was a strong independent young woman who loved animals, people and enjoyed being outdoors. She was a member of the Holy Ghost Hall and was a devout Catholic. She was a member of the Petaluma Eagles Auxiliary. She attended Petaluma High School and graduated in 1952, with an Art Scholarship, but chose to become a loving wife and mother. On September 26, 1953, she married Richard Samuel Griggs of Fullerton, California. Richard and Shirley eventually moved to Santa Ana, California where they raised their three children Cindy Aguirre (Griggs), Tim Griggs and Wade Griggs. Richard and Shirley lived and raised their children in Santa Ana for 38 years until the death of Richard in 1991. Shirley moved back to her childhood home in Petaluma, where she lived for over 30 more years. Over her 91 years she welcomed 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Shirley was an avid sports fan (maybe even obsessive) and loved over the San Fransisco 49ers. She had the world's strongest handshake and an even heavier foot. Needless to say, she loved hot rods and wanted everyone to drive the center of the road to avoid potholes. Her beloved sister Judy would tell her “It's clear Momma Bear,” as they speed through the backroads of Petaluma. Shirley, or as our Grandpa Richard would call her “Gabby,” sure could tell a good story and loved her dirty jokes. She had so much wisdom to share about life and an awesome sense of humor. You could not talk about Shirley without mentioning her love of Bingo. She built lifelong friendships filled with dobers, pull tabs and 10 bingo cards at once. Shirley helped many people and opened her home to support her family and friends. She was an exceptional cook and if you ask any of us, her London Broil was delicious.

To quote a poem in honor of grandmothers, “Through the stories you’ve shared and the wisdom you held, you’ve woven a tapestry of family history. Guiding us with lessons, both new and old. A legacy of strength, grace, and endless glory.” Shirley was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother and a fierce woman who wore beautiful bold lips. She will be missed by all she met.

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