Shirley Fender

Shirley was born on May 13, 1951, in Bassett, Nebraska to Delbert W Fender and Twila m Fender (Simons). Her parents farmed until their move to Idaho in 1955 when they moved to Nampa, Idaho. There, Shirley attended school and graduated from Nampa High School in 1969. She attended Northwest Nazarene College for three years and transferred to Idaho State University where she completed her Pharmacy degree in 1975, after which she moved to the Santa Barbara area to begin her professional career as a pharmacist. Most of her career was spent as a consulting pharmacist for long term care facilities and she eventually gained certification in geriatric pharmacology and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She was active in the local pharmacist’s association for many years and was a member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP). Shirley was active in El Montecito Presbyterian Church. Her attendance at Sunday services was a priority for her. She kept her faith in God fresh by serving as a deacon, in addition to attending her weekly bible study gatherings in Santa Barbara. The teachings of Jesus Christ led her through life. She volunteered in the community offering help organizing Breast Cancer survivor walks, as well as serving at Transition House. She provided educational support to students in Ensenada, Mexico driving there with her friends from church several times a year for over 20 years. She looked forward to these weekend trips to Ensenada meeting with the students and local paster. In addition, she worked on organizing the annual Santa Barbara Mission Conference which gave her much joy. During her 40 years of marriage to Jerry they enjoyed the outdoors skiing (in their younger days) and travel to places of interest. They visited over 25 national parks and enjoyed trips to the East Coast and Italy. They played golf together and Shirley remained active playing tennis with her many friends at the Santa Barbara Polo and Raquet club. She enjoyed cultural events including ballet, opera and theater performances. The Music Academy of the West programs were one of her favorites in addition to those offered through UCSB Arts and Lectures. Cooking and collecting recipes, one of Shirley’s hobbies, was a source of joy for her. It was shared with her husband and contributed to their happy home life. Shirely passed leaving behind many memories for her friends and family. She is preceded in death by both her mother and father and is survived by her husband Jerry Vassallo, brother Fred Fender and multiple nieces and nephews.

Shirley Fender

May 13, 1951 - October 10, 2025