Shirley McCracken

Birth: August 15, 1937 | Died: January 4, 2025

Shirley Ross McCracken, aged 87, died peacefully in her home in Anaheim on January 4, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born in Rochester, NY to Bernard Ross and Marian Heimann and was the eldest of seven children.

In her early years, she earned her master’s in math from Marquette University and then joined the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Joseph. Then known as Sister Bernita, she taught math at Mount Carmel, Auburn, NY for many years. Up until her death, she kept in touch with many of her students. After life changes, she moved to Southern California in 1969 to be closer to family. She continued her education at La Jolla University in Managerial Leadership earning her PhD. Eventually, she met the love of her life, Paul McCracken, an attorney in Anaheim. They were married for 32 years until Paul’s death in 2003. Paul and Shirley remained in Anaheim, welcoming two children, Donna and Glenn and four grandchildren, whom she loved very much. Shirley never abandoned her love of teaching and continued at Anaheim Union School District, conducted training seminars, and taught sessions at her church and non-profits. Her faith and dedication to the Catholic Church unwavering, she became the Director of Religious Education at San Antonio Church in Anaheim Hills, overseeing generations of youth and volunteers.

Her service to the City of Anaheim was extensive, holding many civic positions including Anaheim City Council from 1996-2004. She demonstrated her leadership as Mayor Pro Tem on 9/11 2001, orchestrating emergency response protocols to protect its businesses, citizens and visitors and to secure their safety. Shirley focused on causes and programs to enrich the citizens of Anaheim. The list includes the Budget Advisory Commission, the OC Sanitation Board, membership in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and as Vice President of the Anaheim Arts Council, during which she was instrumental in bringing the ballet to Anaheim. Shirley was an active member of Kiwanis and The Ebell Club of Anaheim. She was especially proud of the annual scholarship she and Paul created for high school students. Shirley loved collecting dolls and displayed them proudly. She also enjoyed researching her ancestry and discovering relatives she had never met. She will be missed by so many. Shirley is survived by her daughter Donna, grandchildren Michael and Emilee, son Glenn (Alison), grandchildren Michael and Elizabeth, sister Marian, brothers Brian, Bradley, Bruce, and Barry, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Paul, her brother Doug, and Princess, her canine companion of five years. The family would especially like to thank her nephew Scott Ross, cousin Joe Farace, and long-time friend, Joe DeBilio, for their unwavering love and support of Shirley. Sunday, January 26, 2025. Visitation and Rosary will be held at Hilgenfeld Mortuary, 120 E. Broadway, Anaheim, 92805, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a rosary prayer recital scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m..

Tuesday, January 28, 2025. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am at Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church, located at 235 S. Pine Dr., Fullerton, directly followed by internment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 Santiago Canyon Rd. in the City of Orange.

Friends and family are welcome to join us for a food and social celebration of life reception at the Ebell Club of Anaheim, 226 N. Helena St, Anaheim, CA, estimated at approximately 2 p.m..

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting: www.hilgenfeldmortuary.com

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21