Shirley Ann (Potter) Happel

In Loving Memory of

Shirley Happel

          Shirley Happel passed on April 16, 2023, at the age of 85, as a result of Covid-19 and related complications. She is survived by her two loving sons, Michael and Paul, who were by her side when she passed.

          Shirley grew up on a farm in Zephyrhills, Florida where she developed a strength of character and an adventurous spirit that would stay with her for the rest of her life. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School, she made her way to Dade City, Florida – the “big city”. It was there that she met Horst Happel, a young German businessman. He learned English, she learned German, and they fell in love. They were married in 1961 and had two sons – Michael and Paul. Shirley and Horst eventually divorced but maintained a loving relationship for the rest of their lives. As a single mother, Shirley dedicated herself to raising her boys and creating a loving home for them even when it meant making sacrifices in her own personal life. For this, Michael and Paul are forever grateful.

          After sending her two sons to college, Shirley decided, at the age of 54, she wanted to go to college, and she later graduated from Rollins College in Orlando, Florida with a degree in psychology. But she wasn’t done. At the age of 60, she set out on an adventure by moving to Walnut Creek, California to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. After graduating with a doctorate in psychology from Ryokan College, she focused on helping people who struggled with addiction. Shirley also fell in love with the Walnut Creek area and would live there for the rest of her life. She had a large network of loving friends and was an active Jehovah’s Witness.

Funeral Services:

Saturday, June 3, 2023, 2:00pm

Oak Park Hills Chapel

3111 North Main Street

Walnut Creek, California

 Reception Following the Funeral Services:

Crescent Bistro

  45 Crescent Drive

Pleasant Hill, California

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