Shirley Melvin

Shirley Sears Melvin died July 25, 2011, in Fort Collins, Colo. She was 89. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on May 9, 1922, Shirley lived in Fort Collins since 1992. She was a proud veteran of World War II, serving as cryptographer in the Women's Army Corps. Shirley spent the war years decoding strategic communications from her post in Bermuda. She was fond of recalling her trip home to the U.S., after the war, in the nose of a B-17 bomber. Shirley was a passionate and active participant in veteran organizations including the VFW Auxiliary and the Women's Army Corp Veterans Association. She served as commander of the Queens County American Legion Women's Post in New York. Later, she organized and directed Veterans Day celebrations at the Fort Collins Senior Center for many years. She was a faithful member of John XXIII Catholic Church. Shirley volunteered with Boy Scouts of America and Incarnation Church in New York. In Colorado, she volunteered regularly at hospitals, churches and the senior center. A number of times, Shirley spoke enthusiastically to students at McGraw Elementary School about her wartime experiences. Shirley was a constant presence at her grandchildren's sports games, band concerts and birthday parties. A seasoned traveler in her retirement, she particularly enjoyed visiting Europe, China and the Panama Canal. Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Maureen Dieterich of Fort Collins, Anne Wakeford of Brewster, N.Y., and Ellen Melvin of Vero Beach, Fla.; her three sons, William Melvin of West Shokan, N.Y., Edward Melvin of Seattle, Wash. and Richard Melvin of Redding, Calif. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Melvin, her son, Charles Melvin, and her second husband, Stan Barrett. Well done, you good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.