Shirley McCauley

Shirley Ellen Tometich was born on January 12, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. She was an answered prayer for her adoptive parents, Frances and John, who longed for a child of their own. She was an only child but grew up next door to her cousins, Jacquline and Dennis, who felt more like her sister and brother rather than cousins.
When it was time to go to college Shirley was excited to get away from California by traveling to Utah to attend Brigham Young University. She made many lifelong friends while earning a degree in English. Following graduation, she returned to California to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Teaching was Shirley’s passion. This passion led to her meeting the love of life William (Bill) McCauley. One evening the staff of Henry Clay Junior High, where they were both teachers, went out to Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. It was this night that Shirley caught Bill’s eye with her knowledge of his hometown of Kennewick, Washington. Sparks flew. Eight months later the two were married on August 1, 1971.
Together Shirley and Bill shared many adventures. One fun adventure Shirley most often talked of was a trip to Europe the lovebirds took the summer after they got married. Spurred on by their desire to purchase a VW Beetle from the source- Wolfsburg, Germany- they spent two weeks creating a “grand tour” of Europe. That car traveled many miles and generated many memories eventually becoming Jason’s first car.
Shirley retired from Los Angeles Unified School District, as a librarian, from Nobel Middle School, after 40 years of service. To celebrate, Shirley and Bill went on a dream vacation: a cruise through the Panama Canal. Following that, Shirley was a full time Grandma sharing in many adventures with her family.
Shirley passed away on February 21, 2020 in West Hills, California. She is survived by her loving husband Bill; her children, Jason (Amy) McCauley and Meredith (John) Puopolo; and her six grandchildren; Sarah McCauley (11), Lucas Puopolo (10), Hannah McCauley (9), Emily McCauley (9), Madelyn Puopolo (8), and Evan Puopolo (6).
Shirley Tometich McCauley- Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother- in our hearts forever.