In Loving Memory of Shirley Ann (Hebert) Donachy

Shirley Ann (Hebert) Donachy 76 of Trinidad, passed away unexpectedly on October 11, 2023. Shirley
was born on December 27, 1946, to Luby (Bob) Hebert and Delores (Francel) Hebert in Pueblo, Co. After
graduating from Pueblo Catholic High School in 1965, she attended and graduated from Southern
Colorado State College in Pueblo in 1969. Shirley was a member of the first class at SCSC, allowing
women to enroll and graduate. She was hired by the state of Colorado Employment Services in 1970 and
was one of the few newly hired women who served as Employment Counselors for the agency. Shirley
moved to Trinidad to begin a forty-year career with Employment Services. Shirley met and married
Patrick Donachy in 1973. Together, Pat and Shirley raised their daughter, Mary “Skeeter” Donachy Gansz.
Upon retirement in 2010, Shirley spent time doing what she loved most. She traveled to Europe on
several occasions with her travel buddy, Cozette. She spent time with her beloved cousins Grace and Ray
shopping, traveling to Cripple Creek, and baking traditional family recipes. She shared morning breakfast
with her friends Gene, Mimi, Jim, and Buzz. She would make her rounds visiting with Kitsy, Carol, and
many more friends. She traveled to visit her grandchildren, spent time in Pueblo caring for her mom, and
spent many Sunday mornings with the Pueblo breakfast club members, Linda and Sharon. Shirley was a
great friend to so many people. She loved dogs and over the years rescued too many to name. After her
mother’s death, Shirley was able to fan her passion for service. She was an active member of Holy Trinity
Catholic Church and PEO Chapter J. She served as Rotary secretary and president. Shirley served as the
Las Animas/Huerfano County Health Department Board President for several years. Shirley has positively
impacted countless lives with her gifts of unconditional love, generosity, kindness, and consistency. She
was wise, poised, and possessed a beautiful soul.
Shirley was predeceased by her father Luby (Bob) Hebert, in March of 1994, and her husband Patrick Donachy,
August of 1995, her mother Delores Hebert, March of 2014, and her sister/friend and soul mate Linda
Nelson, February 2022.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Mary Donachy (Rick) Gansz, and three granddaughters Jacy Gansz (Gavin)
Torres, Erin (Richard) Razo and Haley Gansz. Three great-grandchildren Luna, Cayson, and Torrance ‘Tori’.
Shirley leaves behind her beloved friend and companion Richard ‘Buzz’ Sawaya, her bonus family Patricia
Nelson, Michael Nelson, and James. She also leaves behind, Stepdaughter Michelle (Mike) Shepard,
grandson Kurtis (Sean Garcia) Rivera, and great-granddaughters Naveah and Serenity. Shirley was fondly
called Mama Shirley and Grandma Shirley by so many people she loved. Shirley gave the gift of comfort
and quality of life through her final act of Donation. She will be greatly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Shirley’s name to Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare
Association, 1921 East Main Street, Trinidad Colorado, 81082.
Recitation of Mass will take place at 10 a.m., on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Holy Trinity Catholic
Church. Burial to follow at the Catholic Cemetery.