Shirley Giannini
May 24, 1926 ~ August 21, 2013
Shirley May Minnick Giannini, 87 of Mount Vernon, died Wednesday, August 21, 2013 in the Solon Care Center. There is to be a private family viewing. An Open House will be at the Southeast Linn Community Center, 108 S. Washington Street, Lisbon, from 11:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2013. Arrangements with Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon. Surviving Shirley are her children; Anthony "Tony" (Janet) of Manchester, Joseph (Cynthia) of Mount Vernon, Margaret "Marnie" Kounkel of Tuscon, Arizona, and Ann Giannini of Cedar Rapids; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother Donald Minnick of Albany, Oregon. Preceding Shirley in death were her husband Joseph, her parents, and sister-in-law Evelyn Minnick. Shirley was born May 24, 1926 in Mount Vernon, IA to Harold and Evelyn Humphry Minnick. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1944 and married Joseph Giannini from Providence, RI, who was attending Pre-flight Training School at Cornell College, on January 5, 1946. Shirley was a stay at home mom until her children were grown. She then started her career as a para educator at Washington Elementary, where she enhanced and touched the lives of many, many children. Shirley passionately loved children and animals. Her infectious laugh and sense of humor made being in her company a treat! It's been said Shirley never knew a stranger! She had an array of lifelong friends who will miss her very much. Her children and grandchildren will feel a profound void in their lives. She was one of a kind! In lieu of flowers, Shirley would be honored to have a donation made in her name to an animal shelter or rescue. We would like to thank the Iowa City hospice for their wonderful, caring work they did at the end of Shirley's life. Also, the excellent care she received at Solon Care Center. On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com
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I have many memories of Mrs. Giannini from my time in the elementary school, not only as a student but when I came back to teach. She is a Washington Elementary icon. What a wonderful lady.
Dear Giannini Family, I was so sad to learn of Shirley’s passing and sorry I didn’t get to her visitation. She was quite a lady and had a laugh that I will never forger. I used to visit her and Joe at the house and I can still see her roll her eyes at him….they were so funny. Always made me feel welcome in their home. You have lost someone very special in your lives….hold her memory close. Shirley was a wonderful person. Never to be forgotten. With sympathy, Annamae Baker
Sorry to hear about your mother’s passing–we all have great memories of her–warm regards—Seiler brothers
Tony, Marnie, Ann, and Joseph, Please accept my heartfelt condolences at the passing of your mother… a great lady and friend to so many. Brother Stuart signed the on line guest book for the Seiler brothers, but I’d like to personally let you know how much your mother meant to me, as well as Stuart and Brian. She and your dad were very special people in our family. Your mother’s personality never seemed to change over the years… always so gracious, up beat, and fun to be around. I’m so glad that she was able to teach youngsters at Washington Elementary school so late in life. That was a blessing for her as well as for the children and adults she worked with. A beloved wife, mother and grandmother – she was truly a “point of light” in the many adult and children’s lives that she touched. Love and best wishes to you all, Mike m.seiler@cox.net
I’m so sorry to hear of you mother’s passing. I didn’t know until I received the notice from the MV Alumni Assoc today. Your mom and dad were such a special part of my growing up. Your dad took our wedding pictures almost 45 years ago. Your mom was such a great friend to me when I came home to visit while in college. And having your grandparents living next door as I grew up was so special. My best wishes and condolences to all.