Shirley Hosford
Shirley Hosford lost her nine-year battle with cancer Saturday morning, Oct. 27, 2012, just before dawn; surrounded by her family, red roses, and oh so many red roses.
Those of us who knew and loved Shirley, and we are many, wished we could have sprinkled magic dust on her to make that darn cancer go away. The truth was Shirley sprinkled magic dust on all of us. Every time that tall, beautiful, smiling woman entered a room, the room and the faces of everyone in it lit up. Wednesday after Wednesday, year after year, Shirley would come to her Mahjong group, dressed so stylishly and carrying a basket of homemade goodies for the communal table. Ever thoughtful, Shirley’s food gifts always kept in mind those of us who were allergic to mushrooms, vegetarian, or just did or didn’t like something. During the afternoon of fun, Shirley’s quick wit and sharp play kept us all on our toes and laughing like kids. When asked about how she was feeling and what was happening in the battle against her cancer (and we had to ask) as Shirley never complained or dwelled on herself. She would give us the latest news in a matter of fact way, tell us again that she was going to fight it, and then go back to the Mahjong game.
That was Shirley. Beautiful, tough, resilient, good-natured, spirited, thoughtful, warm and generous. Oh, so generous. Shirley gave her time and creativity to the Hospice of North Idaho Thrift Store two days each week for many years, managing the Holiday Department; helping her friends with their departments and, as usual, keeping the mood upbeat with her good humor and sense of perspective. Her other amazing weekly interests were golfing, bowling and her Senior Fitness class. Sewing, Cooking and Scrapbooking were also high on her “To-Do” list.
Shirley’s friends who were battling their own cancers and other hardships received lots of her magic dust too, as she gave her love and support to them even while dealing with her own. She believed in us all!
Shirley’s big, blended family is amazing. She talked about them all the time. She and her husband Bill have enjoyed 23 years in Fernan and Coeur d’Alene. In recent years, they “Seized the Day” with lots of cruises all over the world (too many to count).
Daughter Tiffany Scattaglia, and her sons Vito and Anthony, reside in California. Tiffany travels frequently to Coeur d’Alene to spend time with her family, and Shirley’s many friends. Son Christopher Mirate, wife Christine and their children Audra, Adam and Adrien, live in New Mexico. Coast Guard Son Allen Hosford and his wife Amy, along with their two dogs live in New Jersey. Son Donald Hosford, a Commercial diver also lives in Coeur d’Alene and works all over the world.
Shirley talked fondly about all of them and regaled us with her family adventures. Clearly, Shirley adored her family. Shirley’s family and her many, many friends will miss her intensely. We never told her because she would probably scoff, but she has been our champion. To light up rooms, make people feel better, fight so bravely, give so selflessly, stay so beautiful inside and out, who could ask for a better heroine? That magic dust of hers keeps falling all around us. She has asked that any memorial gifts be given to Hospice of North Idaho. Will this surprise anyone who knows Shirley? Not likely! Here are a few words that Shirley lived by:
“Life is not a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in broadside,
totally worn out and proclaiming.
“Wow, what a ride!”
— Author unknown, but sometimes attributed to motorcycle racer Bill McKenna.
A gathering to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held on Dec. 1, 2012. Details to follow at a later date. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Shirley’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.