Shirley S. Crane

With deep sadness I share the loss of my best friend. Shirley S. Crane, 75, passed away on September 16th, 2010. She was born in Greenville, South Carolina. Shirley attended Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn. and earned an AA degree from the University of South Florida. She was Secretary to the Administrator for Tampa General Hospital in the late sixties. From 1976 to 1987 she was the Supervisor of Executive Office Staff, coordinating all of the Governing Boards for the Southwest Florida Water Management District where she met her husband and best friend, Donald Crane. They were married July 11, 1986. From 1987 to 2004 Shirley was Staff Assistant to the President of St. Petersburg Junior College. After retirement, she returned to St. Petersburg College working in the Human Resources Department. Shirley was a puppy raiser for the Southeastern Guide Dogs. She was an avid reader and a proud member of WOW - Women of Words Book Club. Shirley was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Circle 12. Shirley served on the Board of Friends of the Library at Eckerd College. Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Donald R. Crane, Jr., St. Petersburg, FL. Sons; Kenny Nissen and wife Rhonda, Steve Nissen, Kevin Nissen and wife Lori, Don Crane III and wife Selina; Bragg Crane and wife Tina. Sister Eloise Steenberg. She was an especially proud "Grammy" to her Grandchildren: Troy Nissen and wife Chelsea, Chad Nissen, Kurt Nissen, Ryan Nissen, Whitney Nissen, Saryna Nissen, Megan Nissen, Joshua Nissen, Crystal Crane, Joshua Crane and Tyler Crane; Great Grandchild, Ava LaMotte. Foxy and Zoe, Don and Shirley's Black Labradors. A service will be held on Monday, September 27th at 1:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church located at 701 Beach Dr. NE. Following the service, please join the family at the Crane's home located at 4020 12th Street N. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Southeastern Guide Dogs and invites the puppy raisers to the service with their Guide Dogs. Donationas may be mailed to: Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77 Street E., Palmetto, FL 34221. Shirley was one of a kind and will be missed by many. Her greatest joy in life was her family. Shirley has been my strength, partner, listener, editor, and true love. Shirley's abundant warmth and compassion insured us that we were her very best friend and we were. Her quick laugh was true to her joy of life. We have been blessed by a wonderful family and many dear friends. For this, I am truly grateful.