Adventuresome, passionate, patriotic, and creative. These are the words we think of when we think of Lenore, but she was most definitely first and foremost all about family.
Lenore and her husband, James Shively Sr., both proud Korean War Army veterans and married for 55 years before Jim’s 2010 passing, started their family in Montana not long before making the adventuresome trek with their two young boys to California’s Central Valley. Modesto would never be the same.
As passionate educators and school administrators, Lenore and Jim inspired and nurtured thousands of children and their families. This was Lenore’s passion, and there wasn’t anyone better. Former students would regularly approach her in malls, coffee shops and grocery stores with hugs and personal stories that left all with smiles and gratitude.
Lenore was indeed grateful. Always grateful and never more than for her family that included James Jr., (Kelly) and Steven (Marnie). The getaways to Yosemite, swimming fun at The Sportsman of Stanislaus Club and road trips back to Montana’s Big Sky layered family memories on to so many more. Recently, it was vacations with her boys to Monterey and Las Vegas. Family also meant grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved and adored: Megan, Greer, Hudson, Madison, Colton, Keeley and Kennedy.
Her retirement years were dedicated to even more memory-making with the coordination of family reunions, recipe collecting and genealogy research in addition to enthusiastically embracing several California Retired Teachers Association leadership roles. Family, family, family. This was Lenore, and this is the legacy she leaves for the upcoming generations to proudly carry in her honor.
A special and heartfelt thank you to the wonderful Skyline Assisted Living staff including all hospice care providers. Lenore loved you all and would have had just one final request. “A little more red wine, please”.
Services will be private when Lenore and her husband, Jim, will be inurned with honors at a Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
If you wish to celebrate Lenore’s life, please donate to Sonora Home Health & Hospice, 20100 Cedar Road North, Sonora, CA 95370 or online at www.adventisthealth.org/home-care-services/donate/#AccordionAreaV1
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