Shirley Jean McCulloch Pisano

Beloved “Nana,” Shirley Jean McCulloch Pisano, August 23, 1935 – July 3, 2026.

Only daughter of Loretta Anna (Murphy) and Russell Henry McCulloch, sister of Gerald “Jerry” Russell McCulloch, and sister-in-law of Penelope “Penny” Rae Smith McCulloch.

Friend to countless people through the years, hypnotherapist to many, artist, painter, and teacher. Beloved by a grand extended family.

Mother of Melanie S. Johnson (John Hawker), Sheryl A. Johnson (Neely Crowley), Michael E. Johnson, and Kathleen L. Johnson (Jeff Wesolowski). Step-mother to Catharine Julee and Larry Vince Pisano (Cheryl M. Gober Pisano). Devoted doggie mom to 13-year-old Shih Tzu, Sadie Jada.

Nana to six granddaughters: Emilee A. Johnson (Nick Amaro), Amanda W. DeNolf, Elise M. Tarens, (Krnl Sanders) Erica J, Tarens, Janelle M. Wesolowski (Ben Veen), Megan E. Wesolowski (Andrew Felty), and one grandson, Kevin Brooks (Laura Lucas Brooks). Step-Nana to Angela M Hawker (David Painter),

Great-Nana to Oliver and Landon Amaro, Penny Brooks, Ella Grace DeNolf, Emersyn C. Veen, and soon-to-be born baby boy Felty; step-great-Nana to David “Hawke” Painter III, and Mila Violet Painter.

Auntie to precious nieces and nephews, and their families: Coleen M. McCulloch Walker (Joey), Laurie A.McCulloch Campbell (Bruce), Molly R McCulloch Lauf (Brian), and Carie L. McCulloch Lair (Rich).

Loving sister-in-law to Phyllis and Mike Pisano, of Valley Springs, CA.

Shirley graduated in 1953 from Mountain View High School, where she shone as an artist and social butterfly, and where she met her cherished Vincent Carmelo Pisano, before he left in 1952 to serve in the US Army, at Fort Lewis, Washington.

In 1955, Shirley married fellow Mountain View High School classmate, Jimmy Neal Johnson. They divorced in 1973, but their raucous family home remained in Cupertino for 32 years, always welcoming countless friends of “the kids” from Monta Vista High School.

Shirley was an avid artist. With oil paint, she loved to capture beautiful California oak trees and natural scenes. She taught painting at The Red Door Gallery in Cupertino, and was invited to show her creations at numerous art shows.

Shirley was infinitely proud of her daughter Sheryl Johnson’s bronze medal US Women’s Field Hockey win at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. As well as all of the kids’ accomplishments.

In 1975, Shirley reunited with her high school sweetheart, Vince C. Pisano, in Cupertino, CA. They married in September 1975; she instantly gained two bonus children à la “Brady Bunch,” Catharine and Larry Pisano.

In 2000, Shirley and Vince moved to The Villages in Evergreen, San Jose, where they were the “life of the party.” They frequently hosted their popular “Sip and Chat” gatherings on their shady deck where friends and neighbors spent time laughing and visiting.

In 2021, Vince and Shirley made the onerous move from their adored Villages lifestyle to join their family in Idaho.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Jerry McCulloch, her sister-in-law, Penny McCulloch, and many of her beloved friends from Mountain View High School, the Cupertino art community, and The Villages, in San Jose.

Shirley will be so missed.

Shirley lost her beloved Vince after 50 years of marriage on August 11th 2025. She then moved to Grace Independent Living in Boise, Idaho, where she met many new lovely people. She enjoyed their camaraderie in the dining room, at Happy Hour, and while playing Bingo; she smiled at their gentle teasing as she was a very frequent

winner! Shirley also felt very close to Grace’s Chaplain, Clayton Potter, and appreciated his poignant worship services.

In April 2026, Shirley’s lifelong dream of seeing the Panama Canal came to fruition when she accompanied her son Michael, daughter Melanie, and granddaughter, Elise, on a cruise through the Panama Canal, with stops in Costa Rica and along the Mexican Pacific coast. Once again, Shirley was the life of the party, meeting new friends on board, dancing to the nightly music, and thoroughly enjoying herself! It was an epic trip that left us with so many wonderful memories.

Always up for adventure, later this month, Shirley and daughter Sheryl were to take a road trip from Idaho to Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota. And, in November, Shirley planned another cruise on the Salmon and Columbia Rivers.

Shirley would have celebrated her 91st birthday next month on August 23, 2026, but she passed peacefully on July 3rd, after a brief illness.

Shirley’s family is profoundly grateful to the staff at Grace Independent Living, as well as the compassionate medical staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian and in Boise for their tender care.

Final arrangements entrusted to Summer’s Funeral Home, Meridian, Idaho. https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/.../summe.../idsmm.html...

Instead of flowers, please consider donations in Shirley’s name sent to The American Heart Association https://pages.heart.org/honor-memorial-lp?s_src=27A511AEMG&s_subsrc=fy27_sem_bing&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dr_fy27_sitelink&utm_content=1297424855582466&utm_term=american%20heart%20association%20donations%20in%20memory%20of&msclkid=27696f34ba051de4abcc056043f5b193

Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be Friday, August 7th, 10:30 AM, at Summer’s Funeral Home, 3629 E Ustick Rd, Meridian, Idaho 83646, near the corner of N Records Avenue; reception to follow.

Private interment.