In Your Community: Money donated in Grandma Shirley’s name
Published 5:11 pm Friday, November 8, 2024
- Carol Hyder, class of 1964, presents a check to Jean McDermott, president of Pacelli Catholic Schools, in memory of her sister, Shirley Cahill (“Grandma Shirley”). Photos provided
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The Pacelli class of 2025 took part in a check presentation from the Cahill Family in memory of Shirley Cahill, class of 1951. Grandma Shirley was a longtime volunteer, neighbor and supporter of Pacelli Catholic Schools.
Shirley attended Columbus and St. Augustine Catholic Schools and graduated valedictorian of her class in 1951. When Shirley’s own children attended St. Augustine Elementary School, she volunteered as room mother whenever possible, a CCD teacher, Brownie troop leader, chaperone for Mass server trips, school field trips, and baked pistachio bread on St Patrick’s Day. After her husband’s death in 1979, she filled in as the Pacelli Booster Club President and played a significant role in assisting with the Pacelli Golf Day for years. In 1980 she gained the title of Mother of the Year at St. Augustine’s.
Photo provided
Little by little she became a well-known figure in many musical venues throughout the Austin community — nursing homes, funerals, weddings, and school choirs. Shirley developed a music program for the 4-year-old preschool program at St. Augustine’s Grade School where they all called her “Grandma Shirley.” This program lasted 18 years. The Pacelli Class of 2025 remembers Grandma Shirley fondly.
This gift will continue to help the next generation of Shamrocks and ensure the lasting legacy of the school that Shirley loved so much.
