Shirley Mae Iverson

September 23, 1931 - October 7, 2022

Shirley Mae Iverson passed away in Palo Alto on October 7, 2022 at the age of 91 due to complications from Alzheimer’s. Shirley was born on September 23, 1931 in Long Beach California the daughter of Charles Owen Adair and Augusta Elizabeth Adair (née Muckenthaler). She grew up in Long Beach with her sister Mary Charlene. Shirley attended Wilson High School, UCLA, Colorado College and earned a teaching credential from Long Beach State. She was living in Manhattan Beach, teaching first grade when she met Fred Holt Iverson on a blind date. Fred received a business degree from Northwestern and earned a bronze star as a Marine Lieutenant in the Korean War. They were a striking couple. Shirley and Fred married and started a family.

She and Fred raised their family in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and California. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom but she explored the local university, art museums and libraries wherever the family lived. While working as a docent at the Milwaukee Museum of Art she enrolled her young son and daughter in art class. Rick and Sally have fond memories of running around the museum after class to find their mom. Shirley spent a lifetime learning and earned master’s degrees in art history and library science. Shirley remained by Fred’s side until he passed away in Portola Valley in 1984.

Shirley’s education evolved into a love of travel and nature. She enjoyed outings with Stanford Singles, the Palo Alto Ski Club and the “walkietalkies” hiking group. She also inspired school kids at Environmental Volunteers. She enjoyed taking her two grandsons on U.S. based river trips and on Elder Hostel trips abroad. Shirley was preceded in death by her mother, father and sister. Shirley is survived by her daughter Sally Witucky (Tim) of San Diego, son Rick Iverson (Catherine) of San Carlos, grandsons Aaron Witucky (Brittany) of Golden Colorado, Anthony Witucky of San Diego, and great granddaughter Vianna. The family would like to especially thank the staff at Channing House Assisted Living, The Key Services and Kindred Hospice for the exceptional care she received. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Environmental Volunteers of Palo Alto (https://www.environmentalvolunteers.org/ ).