Shirley Ann Cesare

Shirley Ann Cesare March 15, 1933 - April 8, 2019 Shirley A. Cesare, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and women of great faith, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. Shirley was born and raised in Delano, California with her parents Ben and Mary Harder, and her sisters Gladys and Eileen.. After graduating from Delano High School, Shirley enrolled at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a teaching credential. In 1953, she joined the teaching staff at Delano Elementary School where she taught Special Education students. From 1979 to 1989, Shirley was the Site Coordinator at Victoria Gardens Senior Center. It was while teaching in Delano that she met her husband Sam Cesare, also a teacher. They married in 1956, and moved to Fremont when Sam accepted a teaching job at Horner Middle School. Sam and Shirley enjoyed 61 years of marriage before Sam’s passing in 2017. While raising five children, Shirley was an active member of her church community serving as an Elder at Irvington Presbyterian Church, teaching Sunday School classes, and serving as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship. She led bible study groups throughout her adult life, and was active in promoting Christian causes including Right to Life and Food for the Homeless programs. Shirley had an infectious smile, and a wonderful sense of humor. Her greatest joy was engaging with her large family, and she hosted dozens of family events and celebrations at her house over the years. Shirley is survived by her daughters Mary, Elizabeth, and Judith, sons Mark and David, nineteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 18 at Bridges Community Church at 11:00 am, 505 Driscoll Road, Fremont.