On October 20, 2026, our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away.

Shirley Ann Serra was born on September 16, 1942, in Arcata. She was the youngest of the seven children born to Mary Mackie Serra and Manuel Serra.

She lived all her 84 years in Humboldt County. Her childhood days were spent on her family’s ranch in Trinidad and in the logging town of Crannell. She loved to tell stories about Crannell to anyone who would listen. She attended as many of their annual reunions as she could and looked forward to them each year. She always wanted to bring her family with her to share all the fond memories.

After losing both of her parents in her teen years, she moved to Eureka. In 1962 she gave birth to her only child, her daughter Roxie Ann, who quickly became the center of her world. 

As a young adult she volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital and often shared with others her fond memories of working with “the sisters.”

Shirley was a resident of Eureka’s public housing for over 60 years. She was a known presence in the community and a neighborhood watch of one.

Shirley was also known for her lifelong love of Coca-Cola. It was not just a preference, but a lifestyle. No Pepsi would not be fine. 

She loved to watch professional wrasslin’ and had many favorite wrestlers over the years. She loved to do puzzles, embroidery, bake countless cookies and brownies, and took pride in keeping a garden full of beautiful flowers; tulips were among her favorites.

Although she never drove, that never diminished her desire to go out and about. She loved shopping, even if it was often just of the “window” kind. You could often find her with her red lipstick on, walking or taking public transit for a fun day at the mall and lunch (probably at McDonald’s or Burger King) with her grandkids, and later with her great grandkids.

Shirley was singular. If you met her, you would never forget her and if you were lucky enough to know her, you couldn’t help but love her. Fiercely loyal, and sometimes just fierce, she protected those she loved. 

Shirley lived for her family. She was a natural caregiver; understanding, patient, and empathetic. She was their biggest cheerleader, their proudest fan, and most fierce defender. Her grandkids looked forward to the many sleepovers, summer vacations, or really any given day they could spend with her. She would do anything to brighten their day and went out of her way to do so. And although she did not have much herself, she did have the one thing children desire most of all; the priceless gift of undivided attention.

She was a forever presence at all her grandkid’s events, from sports to school functions, birthday parties, etc. She was always there, with full enthusiasm.

She met all her grandkids’ likes and interests with equal interest and enthusiasm.

She loved holidays and especially holiday candy.

Shirley was unforgettable and so very loved. Her passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. They will always remember her just as she would have liked to be remembered, as forever Sweet 16.

Shirley is proceeded in death by her mother and father, Manuel and Mary Serra; her sisters Margaret Peterson, Eleanor Sanderson, Gracie Kau, Georgia Gist, Mary Levaugh; and brother Manuel Serra. And her beloved family dog, Stubbie. 

Shirley is survived by her loving daughter Roxie Burres and husband, Gary Burres; granddaughters Serra Ann Rangel and Stephanie Freyermuth (Eric); great-grandchildren Adrian Rangel (Carana), Araceli Hernandez and Audrey Ann Freyermuth; her niece, Charlotte Levaugh (Pete); cousin Jimmy Mackie and countless other nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the healthcare providers over the years who were attentive and thorough to Shirley’s needs. They’d especially like to thank the caring and compassionate team at Hospice of Humboldt who made her final days so peaceful. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Humboldt. 

For those who would like to honor and remember Shirley, the family will hold a memorial service on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 12 p.m., at Sanders Funeral Home (1835 E St, Eureka) followed by a graveside service at Oceanview Cemetery at 2 p.m. (3975 Broadway St.). A reception will follow at the Samoa Women’s Club at 115 Rideout Ave, Samoa. 

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Shirley Serra’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.