Shirley Dawn (Kerwin) Johnston

Born in Boise, Idaho, Shirley was the first child of Phillip and Edith Kerwin, arriving on Dec. 22, 1929, at St. Alphonsus Hospital.

 Shirley, her parents and her sister Mary Jo (Lang), lived within walking distance of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Boise, where they attended mass, and was also the location of her marriage to William J. Johnston on April 10, 1950.

 Shirley grew up in Boise. Her formal education was at St. Teresa’s Academy, graduating in 1947. She went on to attend Boise Junior College, graduating in 1949, where Shirley received accreditation in secretarial studies.  

 It was at BJC in a choir class that she saw Bill and inquired about him to her female classmates. Soon they were dating and sharing time with other young couples. Bill and Shirley had a lot of shared interests, most of which were music, art and history.      

 Bill and Shirley lived their lives in the Pacific Northwest, moving frequently as Bill taught school in various locations. Their last residence was Midvale, Idaho, where they had lived once before during the early 1960s.  Eight children were born to them, consisting of four sons and four daughters.

 Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., holds the best memories of Shirley’s employment, where she worked for nine years at the Holland Library.

 While residing in Midvale, Shirley was a member of the Lion’s International Club, and the Upper Country Singers touring group, as well as the Ladies Garden Club. She enjoyed playing piano, reading true stories, completing crossword puzzles, out-fishing Bill, corresponding with family and friends, discussing politics and the news, tending her garden and never missing Jeopardy!

 After Bill’s death in 2006, Shirley remained in her Midvale home for another 5 years, then moved to Cambridge, Idaho, to Salubria  Center Assisted Living. After that, she resided at the Kindred Nursing and Rehab. Center, now Weiser Care of Cascadia. Compassionate care was administered at both facilities!

 Shirley died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, at Weiser Care of Cascadia in Weiser, Idaho.

 Services were held at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cambridge, Idaho, on Monday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. Fr. Tom Keller officiated. Burial followed at the Midvale, Idaho, Eastside Cemetery. Fellowship in Midvale with meal provided by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

 A special thanks to Nina Hawkins for her librarian heart of gold, in supplying Mom with books!

 Arrangements under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lienkaemper-thomason.com.