Shirley Aurelia Russell Stein, 90, died in Napa, California on July 8, 2021 after a brief illness.

Shirley was born on June 17, 1931 in Endicott, NY to Earl Russell and Ruth Cole Russell.  She attended school in Vestal, NY and in 1952, graduated from the Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Endicott, NY. 

In 1954, Shirley met George Stein, who was playing baseball for the New York Yankees’ Triple A affiliate in nearby Binghamton.  Shirley and George married in July and, later, made the trek across the country to George’s hometown of Napa, CA.  Shirley was a league bowler for many years at Napa Bowl and often played tennis with friends at Napa Valley Country Club.  They raised three children and were divorced in 1983.

Shirley worked at Queen of the Valley Hospital from 1968 – 1971 as a registered nurse and from 1983 to 1999 in Admitting.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed tending a small garden, and hosted friendly bridge groups in her home.  She enjoyed rooting for the San Francisco Giants, rarely missing a game on television.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Keith Russell of Vestal, NY; sister-in-law Patricia Stein of Cupertino, CA three children - Linda Fitzgerald of San Luis Obispo, James (Dianna) Stein of Gold Canyon, AZ and Susan Stein of Napa, CA ; six grandchildren – Jennifer Fitzgerald (Kevin) Anderson of Arroyo Grande, CA, Katherine Fitzgerald of San Luis Obispo, CA Rachel Stein and Erik Stein of Denver, CO, Alexis Stein of Highlands Ranch, CO and Zak Hubbard of Whitesboro, TX; one great-granddaughter -Brooklyn deJongh of Highlands Ranch, CO; and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Ruth Russell and her sister, Janice Holes.

The family would like to thank Queen of the Valley Hospital and Napa Valley Care Center for their care, kindness and generosity in her final days.

At the family’s request, no services will be held.  Donations can be made in Shirley’s name to the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation.