Shirley Vivian Allan

Shirley passed away on Sept 24, 2014 at the age of 87.

Shirley was born on June 7, 1927 in West Allis, WI. Her deceased parents were Howard and Mary Fabian. In 1968, she had breast cancer, had an operation and was given very high doses of radiation, the only good treatment at the time, which cured the cancer but eventually killed the patient. At the time of the treatment, she wanted to live long enough to see her three daughters grow up, which she did. However the treatment gradually caused the complete loss of the use of her left arm and caused damage to her bone marrow and any other organs in its path. Over the years, she had several operations trying to stop the effects of this radiation, but without any success.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Harold E. Allan; and three daughters, Terri Lynn Nesrsta (Jeffrey), Heidi Ann Allan, and Amy Lou Whetro (Ric). She also has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her only living brother, Jerry Fabian, lives in Lady Lakes, FL.

Shirley graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1952, receiving a B.S. in Pharmacy and became registered in 1953. When she was applying for a Pharmacy position in 1953, one store owner said he would close the store before hiring a woman Pharmacist. However, she practiced pharmacy for many years, but retired during 1978, when her left arm lost its usefulness. She loved to sew, knit and do craft work as a hobby but had to stop when her arm gave her too much trouble. Also she loved to cook and bake but had to restrict these activities as the radiation affected her. Therefore the treatment for the cancer was a blessing since it did allow her to see her children become adults and have children. But as the years went by it restricted her activities. However through the efforts of several medical doctors, she was able to live a semi-normal life. Shirley was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

Services will be at Bethel Lutheran Church on Monday, Sept 29, 2014 at Noon with Rev. Byron Arledge officiating. Private entombment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 3852 Everett Rd., Richfield, Ohio 44286. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)