Shirley Renee Walsh (née Zukowski) entered into the eternal arms of her Savior on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following complications from an aneurysm. Shirley was born on August 3, 1955. At the age of four, she was adopted within the family by Frank and Darlene Zukowski. She spent her childhood years alongside her siblings, Brook, Todd, and Scotty, in Forks and Olympia, Washington, where she loved riding her horses, Blaze and Chico, and spending summers picking strawberries in the local fields. Shirley graduated from Forks High School and later worked as a waitress at the Evergreen Inn.

At 19 years old, Shirley was set up on a blind date with Larry Walsh at the Puyallup County Fair. Larry and Shirley quickly fell in love and were married on April 3, 1974. Soon after, they moved to Humboldt County, where they settled into small-town life in Fortuna.

Shirley had a deep love for animals and a particularly soft spot for those in need. One day, after felling trees in the woods, Larry discovered two orphaned raccoons and brought them home knowing they would not survive on their own. Shirley lovingly nursed the raccoons, Thelma and Louise, back to health. The mischievous pair became beloved companions, following Shirley throughout the house and getting into all kinds of trouble before eventually being released back into the wild. Around that same time, Larry and Shirley welcomed their firstborn son, Michael, followed in the years ahead by daughters Rachael and Crystal.

For many years, Shirley worked as a waitress at The Village Pantry in Fortuna. She loved being around people and built loyal friendships with customers, some of whom regularly drove from Arcata just to visit her. Her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

Shirley was also a familiar presence in local churches throughout the community. During these years, however, the severity of her mental illness began to profoundly affect her life and the lives of those who loved her. Like many families navigating mental illness during a time when resources were limited, especially in Humboldt County, the Walsh family endured both instability and stigma. Despite these challenges, Larry remained a steadfast and devoted husband and father. Even when others encouraged him to walk away, he remained committed to the vows he made to Shirley and sacrificed greatly to ensure she received the care she needed.

Above all else, Shirley loved being a mother. She deeply loved each of her children and regularly reminded them how proud she was of them. During the years she was able to stay home with her children, she poured herself into their lives and instilled in them a steadfast faith in Jesus that would sustain them in the years to come. Though the family often faced misunderstanding and judgment because of Shirley’s illness, her children remain proud of the strength, compassion, and resilience that emerged through those hardships. As Genesis 50:20 says, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

Shirley loved to sing and worship Jesus, and the home was often filled with Maranatha! worship music, TBN preachers, and the familiar Sunday afternoon voice of Pastor Jack Hayford. During her more stable years, she enjoyed the ordinary but meaningful rhythms of motherhood: shuttling the kids to activities, spending summers at Swimmers Delight and Moonstone Beach, attending the Humboldt County Fair, and shopping during the Bayshore Mall’s heyday.

Tragedy struck the Walsh family when Larry passed away in 2003. His death profoundly changed the course of Shirley’s life over the next two decades. In her later years, Shirley made her home in Modesto, where she was blessed to live in a safe and caring community that provided her with consistent support and compassionate care.

Shirley is survived by her children: Michael (Heather) Walsh, Rachael (Cheyne) Jackson, and Crystal (Robert) Ralston; her grandchildren Emma Walsh, Elizabeth Walsh, Philip Jackson and Samuel Ralston; her siblings Brook (Peter) Derrwaldt, Todd Zukowski and Scotty Zukowski; and her stepfather, Thomas Anderson, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended members of the Walsh family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Edward Walsh; her mother, Darlene Anderson; her biological mother, LaDonna Crisswell; and many beloved grandparents, aunts and uncles who went before her.

While Shirley’s loss is deeply felt here on earth, her family rejoices in knowing that her mind and body have been made whole by her Savior and Healer. She no longer carries the burdens of illness, shame or stigma, but is clothed in dignity and peace. Just days before her passing, Shirley was able to meet her newest grandson, Samuel. The smile and joy she expressed while holding him will remain a treasured memory for her family and reflects the joy with which they believe she was received into heaven. Her children were able to be by her side during these final precious and beautiful moments together.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a memorial page that has been set up in Shirley’s honor at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at this link. NAMI provides invaluable support for individuals, families, and caregivers navigating mental illness.

The family would also like to express their deep gratitude to Kelli Schwartz at the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services for her diligent care and advocacy for Shirley over more than two decades, as well as the devoted staff and caregivers at Davis Guest Home in Salida, California.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Wood Street Chapel in Fortuna with a light reception to follow.  A graveside service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka on July 24 at 2 p.m.