Shirley Brinkley

Shirley Ann Brinkley, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, family member, dear friend and caregiver of many children passed away at her Orland home on May 1, 2008, with her husband by her side, after a brave battle with melanoma. Her laughter, warm smile, and giving heart will be deeply missed by many.

Shirley grew up in Santa Maria, and moved to this area at the age of 13, graduating from Orland High School in 1966. She met and married Fred, the love of her life, in February of 1967. She became a dedicated school volunteer early in her children’s school years, eventually becoming a classroom instructional aide. She affected many students’ lives over the last 30 years of service with Orland schools. Shirley loved cooking for family and friends at their house in Fort Bragg, picking blackberries with her grandchildren, exploring Hawaii, and most of all, enjoying life with her husband.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 41 years, Fred; son, Dean Brinkley and wife Helen, of Corning; daughter, Jennifer Barron and husband Ben, of Chico; mother, Georgina Sanders, of Orland; brothers, Bill Sanders and wife Jean of Santa Maria; Ron Sanders and wife Irene, of Roseville; sister, Marjorie Schoeffler, of Arroyo Grande; grandchildren, Alexys and James Dean Brinkley, Taylor and Austin Barron; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving father, Dean T. Sanders.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:30 pm, Thursday, May 8, at the Orland Memorial Hall on Fourth Street. Donations can be made to the Shirley Brinkley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Special Needs Children at the Bank of America in Orland or in care of Newton-Bracewell Funeral Home.