Obituary of Shirley Breden

Shirley Breden passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 7th, 2021. Shirley was born on April 21st, 1937, in Platteville Colorado to Howard and DeVota Johnson. Shirley was Valedictorian of her high school class of 1955 and received a full scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado in where she graduated in 1959. She then moved to Albuquerque New Mexico to begin her career in teaching. While in New Mexico, she met and married her husband John Breden in 1960. After a few years in New Mexico, the couple moved to Richardson Texas in 1964 for John’s job relocation. Once in Texas, Shirley began her thirty-five-year career with the Richardson School District. She got her master’s degree in teaching from what is now Texas A&M University-Commerce in 1975. She devoted her life to teaching and her family. Most of her career was spent teaching first grade at Northlake Elementary. She won the prestigious Ross Perot Excellence in Teaching Award in 1985. John and Shirley were married for 48 years until John’s passing in 2009. Shirley was very passionate about many charities, volunteered to help others and loved her church. She was extremely proud of her granddaughter Samantha, and they were very close. In our hearts, Shirley was awarded the “Grandma of the Year” every year since 2000. She is survived by her son Phil, daughter-in-law Michelle, granddaughter Samantha, brother-in-law Joe Taylor (Evans, CO), niece Valerie Taylor (Evans, CO) and niece Virginia Tharp (Lenoir City, TN). She was preceded in death by her husband John and her sister Barbara Taylor (Evans, CO). Shirley was also surrounded by the best group of friends anyone could ask for. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Shirley, Mom and Grandma will be held at Richardson Church of the Nazarene on October 9th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Richardson Church of the Nazarene.