Shirley LaVon Parish, 80

Shirley LaVon (Hennessy) Parish was born to Joe and LaVon Hennessy on March 7, 1935, in Los Angeles, Calif. She was known for her style, spunk, and certainly her level of class. She was such a strong and beautiful lady that her friends in the community gave her the title "Contessa of Carlin Bay." But perhaps most of all, Shirley will be remembered for her generosity, graciousness and gusto for life - and for her strong and playful spirit.

Shirley passed away peacefully in her sleep, June 19, 2015, at the beautiful home she and her husband, Ralph, built atop Carlin Bay ... their little piece of heaven.

Shirley's legacy lives on in her family and she is survived by her adoring husband of nearly 39 years, Ralph L. Parish of Harrison, Idaho; her beloved sister and best friend, Laurie Hennessy of Minden, Nev.; loving children Diane Beaton-Visoul and Franz Visoul of Harrison, Allison and Randy Bussa of Reno, Nev., Darren Reynolds of Los Angeles, Calif., and Dawn and Terry Henn of West Covina, Calif. Shirley is also survived by a wealth of grandchildren, all of whom adored their grandma: Mary-Brianna, Chelsea, Lane, Aubree, Tyler, Blake, Kelsi, Lexington, Chauncy, Madison and Keelan. Equally loved by Shirley were her most precious nieces, nephews, cousins and great-grandchildren. Also, we must not forget the rest of us that also called Shirley "Mom," and thought of her just so. For Shirley, friends were family and family were friends. She rests now, but still stirs in the hearts of all she knew.

There was not an adventure that Shirley wasn't ready for; from hunting and fishing to New York City and all its glitz and glam. She was game for it all and played in a league all her own. Even as breast cancer threatened her life, she exhibited pure grit, and shook a finger at it, perhaps even a bejeweled middle finger. Shirley was an absolute survivor, living in pain for many years but never allowing it to show or affect her grand persona. Her smile never faltered, unless someone mentioned Peyton Manning. Shirley's warmth was matched by her playful competitiveness. Whether it was playing cards with her husband or darts at the Grange, Shirley was surely in it to win it! She had her favorite ball teams and would light up when a game was on. Everyone else in the room would watch her.

Before Shirley and Ralph moved to Carlin Bay, she was a resident of Gardnerville, Nev., for 25 years. She and her husband had many dreams realized in Gardenerville, and they spent most of their time enjoying family and friends.

It was in Nevada that Shirley became a founding member of "The Crystal Angels," a charitable group that she helped start with her sister, Laurie; daughter Allison and in-law Joan. Originally the Crystal Angels began as a way to keep family close together, yet transformed into a group of ladies finding ways to help local families in need. So, the Crystal Angels began fundraising all yearlong to help children in need, especially at Christmas.

Shirley loved to laugh and smile, but she loved seeing others smile more.

A private memorial will be held this Saturday with friends and family, from near and far. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to: The Crystal Angels, c/o Laurie Hennessy, 1729 Lantana Drive, Minden, NV 89423.

Visit Shirley's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.