Memorial Trees
T
The Gannon Family
December 18, 2025
P
Pat and Peter Kuch
December 15, 2025
W
Will Jones and Jaclyn Smith-Jones
December 09, 2025
C
Cathy Riddell
December 09, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Shirley Ann Thamasett
<p>Shirley Ann Thamasett, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 29, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia, after a short battle with gallbladder cancer that had unfortunately spread before it was detected. The family wishes to express our gratitude to INOVA Fairfax Hospital’s nurses, doctors, and hospital staff who cared for Shirley during this challenging time.</p><p><br></p><p>Born on October 20, 1939, in Moline, Illinois, Shirley's life was marked by her unwavering kindness, thoughtful nature, and enduring love for her friends and family (including all the family’s pets).</p><p><br></p><p>In the Spring of 1957, Shirley graduated from AlWood High School (Woodhull, Illinois near her home in Alpha), valedictorian of her class, and was awarded a 4-year scholarship to the University of Illinois. After graduating in 1961, Shirley applied and was accepted for a position with US Army Special Services in South Korea where members of her family lived. She arrived in Korea in Fall 1961 and was assigned to an Army post near Munsan, located about 33 miles north of Seoul.</p><p><br></p><p>It was there that she met her beloved husband, Otto Thamasett. They were married at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1962 and together they embarked on a nearly 63-year-long union that was blessed with four wonderful children who were very active with year-round sports, band, Scouts, and a variety of other activities. This would not have been possible without Shirley’s unwavering support and top-notch organizational skills. As a family, they created a legacy of love and commitment that would endure for generations.</p><p><br></p><p>She is survived by her sisters Barbara Shah and Kathryn Miller; her brother Rick Jones (Beth); her daughter Lisa Thamasett; her son Paul Thamasett (Michele) and their children, Anna, Lili, and Otto; her daughter Linda Crennan (Chris) and their children, David Crennan (Kayleigh) and daughter, Lainey, Anthony Crennan (Nicole) and daughter, Naomi, and Ryann Steele (Cameron); son Steve Thamasett (Erin) and their children, Michael, and Elizabeth; and extended family, Beth (Jeff) Brandt and children. Shirley cherished her cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the country even though she could not see them as much as she desired.</p><p><br></p><p>Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Willam A. Jones and Mildred E. Johnson and sister, Marilyn Burklund.</p><p><br></p><p>Shirley’s strength was evident as a military spouse supporting countless moves, many of which were long distance with little notice. When Otto was sent to Vietnam, Shirley spent a year alone while living far from family in El Paso, Texas with four young children (the oldest was 5 years old and the youngest was a few months old). They moved to Springfield, Virginia in 1975 when Otto was assigned to the Pentagon and have lived there since that time.</p><p><br></p><p>She supported the children and grandchildren’s activities by volunteering at various organizations to include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rolling Hills Swim Club and West Springfield High School Boosters as Treasurer even after the youngest had graduated.</p><p><br></p><p>Shirley found immense joy in watching sports, cheering with fervent loyalty for Virginia Tech (all her children graduated from VT), the University of Illinois, and Army. Shirley enjoyed traveling and attending many of Otto’s West Point Class of 1958 reunions. They traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, across the continental US, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, South Korea and China. Daily enjoyment came from watching the birds and wildlife in her backyard. This love has been passed on to other generations of the family.</p><p><br></p><p>As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that Shirley's spirit will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come. She was truly a beacon of love and kindness, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.</p><p><br></p><p>The family requests donations in Shirley’s memory be made to the American Cancer Society or organizations that are important to you or your community.</p><p><br></p><p>Visitation at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home (9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032) will be held Friday, December 19th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. A service will be held at 4:00 pm in the Fairfax Memorial chapel (located in the same building) with a reception following in the George Mason room located near the chapel. Shirley will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, February 4, at 2:00 pm.</p><p><br></p>October 20, 1939 - November 29, 202510/20/193911/29/2025
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