Sr. Shirley Crisler

Sr. Shirley Marie Crisler
Des Moines

Sr. Shirley passed away at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston, IA on August 10, 2018.

Shirley was born February 16, 1926, to Clinton and Marie (Allen) Crisler, in Aurora, IL. She was joined by a younger sister Betty four years later. Shirley graduated from Madonna in 1944 and then worked as a secretary until she entered the Springfield Dominicans in September 1946. She returned home temporarily to help care for her ill father and returned later to Springfield. Shirley earned a BA with a major in English, and a Master’s in Education with a major in Administration both from DePaul University in Chicago.

Shirley taught in schools in Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa. Shirley served as co-principal at Sacred Heart in Des Moines and as principal at Visitation in Des Moines, St. Joseph’s in Kansas City, MO, and Seton Catholic in Ottumwa, IA. After retiring as principal, she continued to teach GED classes until her full retirement at age 80.

Shirley left the Springfield community in 1972, and moved to Des Moines along with six other Sisters from Springfield who became known as the Ichtus Dominicans, and then later she joined the Sisters for Christian Community in 1985. Shirley became very involved in the development of the SFCC community, serving as the editor of the community newspaper for eight years. She also was instrumental in developing the community viewbook.

Early in her life, Shirley was influenced greatly by her grandparents and Sr. Helen Rose, her 8th grade teacher. Sr. Helen Rose was to become a life-long friend and mentor. Shirley also became good friends with Bishop Dingman and went on to co-author his autobiography with Sr. Mira Mosle, BVM. Shirley was instrumental in getting guidance counselors into the Catholic schools and it was during this time she met Sr. Barbara Marshall, who became her longtime friend.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Betty Desmond and children, Nick and Judy and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and her good friend, Sr. Barbara Marshall.

Funeral Mass will be at 9:30 am on August 16th in Our Lady of Peace Chapel at Bishop Drumm, Johnston, IA. Visitation will be an hour prior to the Funeral Mass and there will be refreshments immediately following the Mass at Bishop Drumm. Burial at Glendale Cemetery will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family School, which was dear to her heart.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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