Shirley Ann (Feltmann) de León passed away peacefully, with her sons Mark and Paul at her side, the morning of Election Day, November 3, 2020.
She was born on Independence Day, 1935, in Washington, Missouri. It was in this nurturing environment of this picturesque town on the Missouri River that she began her lifelong quest of education for herself and her children and documenting her observations as a free-lance journalist in her adult life.
After graduation from high school, she went on to Marquette University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Later in life she also completed her Masters and Doctorate degrees at Columbia University.
She had an accomplished career, including working as an editor at Parents Magazine and Columbia University Teachers College Press as well as the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). She finished her career, working over 20 years through her retirement for the New York Board of Education’s Department of Special Education.
Shirley committed herself to ensuring that all four children sought out their own talents and endeavored to find a way for them to be in the best schools possible so they could attain their highest potential.
She was a devoted Catholic with many friends in her home parish of St. Margaret of Cortona, Bronx, New York, where she was a member for over 50 years, and served as a faithful lector.
Shirley was a passionate New York Yankees fan and followed them closely for more than 50 years. She was a loyal fan, who wouldn’t hesitate to share her point of view on the latest manager moves or what the team needed to do to get back to the Series.
Throughout her exciting and busy life, Shirley never forgot her roots and always cherished her annual trips back to Missouri. She was well known for her creative and informative Christmas newsletters updating family and friends on her own growing family.
Shirley loved the holidays and loved passing on family traditions, including her mother’s recipes for Christmas cookies, rum balls, and fruitcake. She loved filling Easter baskets with candy for her grandchildren and looked forward to decorating Easter eggs each year with her grandchildren.
Shirley leaves to survive: her children: Mark (Ivy) de León of New York; Sarah de León of Dallas, TX; Paul de León of New York; Carl (Monica) de León of Austin, TX; Brother, James A Feltmann of Washington, MO; Six beloved grandchildren: Brian, Christopher, Lauren, Gabriela, Eva, and Isabella. Twelve nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.
A Funeral Mass is being held at St. Margaret of Cortona in the Bronx, following pandemic safety protocols. A private burial will be held at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Washington, Missouri, where Shirley will be laid to rest alongside her parents in accordance with her wishes.