Donaldson, Shirley A.

Shirley A. Donaldson, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, June 7, 2010, at her home.

Shirley was a creative and talented artist whose oil paintings were the focus of her home. Shirley earned her teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa) in 1952 and taught elementary school for several years. She continued her education, graduating from Coe College in 1969, with a bachelor's degree in Art History. For 30 years, Shirley was the Art Gallery director at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, retiring in 1999.

Shirley was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids and its choir for over 50 years. She was an active member of PEO, supported the Cedar Rapids Symphony and Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and enjoyed the Thursday Forums at Coe. She was an avid reader, enjoyed her book group and loved solving crossword puzzles. Shirley was known for her excellent cooking and wonderful dinner parties, and she was a loving and loyal friend, sister and mother.

Shirley shared her husband's love of sailing, and they spent part of every year exploring the Great Lakes, East Coast and Bahamas in their boat, Cavale.

Survivors include her son, Bill (Margi) Donaldson of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter, Kara Donaldson of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Adam and Emily of Phoenix and Robert of Cedar Rapids; brother, Gene (Diane) Strandberg of Punta Gorda, Fla.; brother, Lauren Strandberg of Des Moines; and sister, Marcia Merrill of Jericho, Vt.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 11, at First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids, with a reception immediately following in the Perrine Gallery at Coe College.

Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Shirley to the American Cancer Society, St. Luke's Hospice or First Presbyterian Church.

Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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