Maureen Shireman

Maureen Shireman, wife, mother, teacher, friend, and beloved by many, left us on May 31, 2016 at her home in Fayetteville. Maureen was one of those unusual people; a charismatic personality without a hint of egotism. As a teacher in Springdale, and most recently at Butterfield and Vandergriff Elementary Schools in Fayetteville, she nurtured hundreds of fortunate children for three decades. Each student was special and she made each one know it. Maureen encouraged and enabled her sons Jason and John to be what they really wanted to be. She was authentic; people knew it and were drawn to her because of it. Ken, husband, architect, artist and outdoorsman was the devoted and perfect complement to Maureen for 53 years. Special loves in her life were daughter-in-law Angie and grandsons Sawyer and Max. Maureen loved nature – Canyonlands, Utah, and the Rocky Mountains in particular. The wilderness for her was a source of spiritual renewal. The canyons and mountains were her cathedrals; she made them known to others as well. Also, there was the beach, the frequent headquarters for Maureen and her tennis sisters – Vicki Partain, Phyllis Johnson, and Rhoda Woods. Music was a constant in her life, especially the music of Jimmy Buffett and David Starr. Special thanks to caregiver and beloved niece Dr. Kay Woodiel. Maureen's brilliant smile and infectious laugh live on. Those who want to memorialize Maureen can donate to the book funds at the Fayetteville Public Library or Vandergriff Elementary Library. Arrangements were under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. To sign the online guestbook visit www.nelsonberna.com.