Shirley Ann Barsotti Della Santina - July 19, 2023
September 16, 1938
Shirley Ann Barsotti Della Santina passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2023.
She was the dearly beloved wife of Quirico, amazing mother of Liz Ongaro (Mitch) and Robert (Nicole), special “Nonni” to Elise Caparelli (Evan), Laura, Daniel, Matteo, Marco, and Pia, loving sister to Bob Barsotti and wonderful sister-in-law to Peggy, Angelo and Georgina. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
Shirley had a wonderful childhood, born in Roseville, CA to Italian immigrants, Clary and Peter Barsotti from Lucca, Italy. Her childhood years were nurtured by a loving extended family. She attended Roseville High School and later vocational school, and worked at the local bakery and sold fireworks in the summer! As a young adult, Shirley worked at Lockheed Martin, and for the Post Office in Sacramento and later the Regional Post Office in San Francisco.
While living with her grandparents in Lucca, Italy, Shirley was picked up on a vespa by a young, handsome, Italian soccer player named Quirico. Their love story began and they went on to marry at Saint Peter’s and Paul Church in San Francisco spending the next 63 years of marriage together. They eventually moved to Marin County in 1964 and bought their first home in Larkspur to raise their family. They enjoyed the beauty of Marin and were blessed with a wonderful family, close neighbors and incredible friends!
Although Shirley’s ultimate devotion was her deep love for family, she also had many other passions during her life. She was an avid reader, amazing cook, gracious hostess, timeless fashionista with great style, competitive tennis player and a volunteer extraordinaire! She spent many hours volunteering at St. Patrick’s Parish and School, as a Campfire Girl Leader, as a team mom for countless sports teams, at Saint Vincent School for Boys, and later years at the Nazareth House. Shirley also loved to travel with many adventures to Italy, Europe, Hawaii, and Lake Tahoe. She spent many summers with family and friends at her second home in Carnelian Bay. She always believed she was so blessed and enjoyed sharing it with others.
What an incredible wife, mother, “nonni”, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to all! Shirley was gracious and kind; the ultimate hostess. One was always welcomed into her home and at her beautiful table to enjoy an incredible meal. She was generous beyond words, always remembering birthdays, holidays, anniversaries with her hand written cards (no emails!), generous gifts and bouquets of flowers. She had an amazing, huge heart, always fun to be around and a twinkle in her eye! Shirley lit up a room and was the matriarch and center of our world. Her light will continue to shine.
A very special, heartfelt thank you to Shirley’s amazing team of caregivers; Rosa Poblana, Lorena Ibarra and Nelli Phillips. Their incredible care, kindness and devotion allowed mom to stay in her home these last years. They were her angels here on earth!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to By the Bay Health, American Cancer Society or Little Wishes (San Anselmo). A Memorial Mass will be held on August 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Anselm’s Church followed by a Celebration of Life at Deer Park Villa.
Assisted by Monte’s Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo, CA.