Shirley Gabrielson

September 18, 2011
Gabrielson, Shirley, 76, died Sept. 18, 2011, of cancer. Mrs. G to her students, she taught journalism at Wichita West and South high schools, retiring in 1991. The daughter of Francis and Mildred Walker, Shirley grew up in St. John. Survivors: husband, Kenneth; son, Nils, and his wife, Lori; daughter, Kjerstin, and her husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Maggie, Molly, Clare and Jack; stepmother, Maurine Walker; brother, Jim Walker; and stepbrothers, Steve and Maurice Higgins. Funeral, 1 pm Sat, Sept. 24, First Presbyterian Church, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, 67214. Memorial gifts may be made to WARSP Teacher Scholarship Fund, care of Jan Scott, 7813 W. Prestwick, Wichita, 67212, or First Presbyterian Church. Downing Lahey West.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Ken, What an amazing teacher and talented wife. Shirley will be missed. May God give you comfort and hope as you lean on Him during this difficult time. We will be praying for you.
It is difficult to put into words how much Shirley meant to me as my teacher, and as my friend. My memories of her always make me smile inside. The twenty years that have passed since I was her student have not faded the confidence she had in me, or her dedication to making me the best I could be. I feel so incredibly honored to have known her and to learn from her. Very few people have influenced my life in such a positive way. I will carry that with me forever. Shirley: You will always be my Mrs. G, and I love you!
Shirly Gabrielson was one of the most influentials mentors in my life. Her passion and demand for excellence literally changed my life by lighting that fire deep within. She helped teach me that I could achieve much more than I ever thought possible. God bless you and keep you Mrs. G.
Robert, I echo your thoughts and sentiment. I still remember her telling us, “There’s no excuse for a misspelled word, that’s what dictionaries are for!” Such a great teacher and a wonderful person. Forever missed!
Shirley was a wonderful colleague, helpful and cheerful, often extending herself to help students and teachers. I hope her family has support and love from all those whom she has helped.