Shirley E. (Shoffner) McNierney

Shirley Elizabeth (Shoffner) McNierney, 93, of Laramie, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 in her home surrounded by her children and their Hospice Family. She was born December 28, 1927 in Fort Collins, CO, to Samuel S. and Eleanor Eva (Cooke) Shoffner. Shirley met John McNierney when they were both 17 years old. They were on Christmas vacation; they watched the movie Kismet (Fate,) a story she shared many times with her children. They later married on October 17, 1949.

John and Shirley were in the hotel/motel business for many years owning the Buckaroo Motel in Laramie, The Lone Palm in Port Aransas, TX, and the Porter House Inn in Pearsall, Texas. After John passed away, Shirley moved back to Laramie, WY to join her family.

A long-time member of St. Laurence Catholic Church, Shirley was a member of the Alter and Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Laramie Civic League and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, upon her return to Laramie. She led a full life, enjoying time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening and loved working crosswords.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John; her son, Tim McNierney; her parents Samuel Shoffner and Eleanor McLennan; her brother, John “Jackie” Shoffner; and her sister, Evamae Rowles (Richard); her step- father, Leath McLennan; and her stepsisters, Joyce Harokopis and Jesse Rawson.

She is survived by her children, Mark McNierney of Laramie, Dan McNierney (Susie) of Laramie, and Coleen McNierney (Mark Holder) of Laramie; her daughter-in-law, Odella McNierney; her grandchildren, Savannah Wolach (Matthew), Britta Starks (Keith), Ash McNierney-Moore (Afton), Joseph McNierney (Sara Fulmer), and Jen Holder, Lisa Jamieson (Todd), and Matthew (Heather) Boyles; and her great-grandchildren, Hayden, Anabelle, Mason, Peyton, Cruz, Harper, Brody, Aspen, Chance, Ruby, and Louden.

In the loving words of Shirley’s grandson, Joseph:

‘She lived through WW2, Vietnam, Korean War, All the moon landings, and ALL space travel, Invention of computers, internet, electric cars,

The nuclear bomb, solar energy, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

All from a little log cabin school in Albany. All while creating a legacy for us.

I couldn’t be more honored to hopefully carry Grandma and Grandpa’s name as best I can; not Just for her but for all of us. Be thankful she didn’t have to lay witness to the absurdities of modern life.

Love you all.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2021 at St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.