Shirley Ruth (Davis) Catalan

The sun shone brightly on Saturday, May 5, 1935 when Shirley Catalan was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. As an only child, Shirley was her parents’ pride and joy.

Shirley excelled in school, graduating from Philadelphia’s prestigious Girls High School, Pennsylvania State University and Temple University. While teaching in Rochester New York Shirley met her husband, John Lloyd Catalan. New career opportunities brought the Catalans to Silver Spring Maryland where they integrated famously into the community. For thirty plus years Shirley served the Montgomery County School District as a grade school teacher and in central office. 

In addition to Shirley’s decades long participation in the NAACP, her great love was her life membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Earlier this year, in recognition of 65 years as a member of the sorority, Shirley obtained the coveted status of becoming a Pearl Soror. Initiated into Delta Gamma Chapter in 1955 at the Pennsylvania State University, later Shirley was one of the founding members of Theta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which recently celebrated its 50th year of existence.

Seeing the world was on Shirley’s agenda and she made her dreams come true. Shirley went on more than twenty cruises with her husband Lloyd and mother Lillian. Shirley visited five of the six continents with her “Golden Girls Group.” Getting close to lions in Africa, kangaroos in Australia or snakes in India made Shirley flinch with a radiant smile. That same smile was shared with friends and family. Life long friend Jeanette Brewer, and shared son Lloyd Brewer III were fortunate to be a part of Shirley’s life for over eight decades.

Shirley’s outgoing personality was embraced by a number of warm, caring, helpful and loyal friends, some of whom are Lucy Hayes, Tina DeFranco, Valerie Williams and the membership of Theta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. There are so many others… you know who you are. Please know that Shirley loved and appreciated each and every one of you.

A special thank you is extended for all of the cards, phone calls and acknowledgements of Shirley’s life. Your care and kindness made Shirley feel quite special. Appreciation is extended to the Brook Grove staff who made life warm and comfortable for Shirley for the past two years and for keeping Shirley’s extended family and friends in prayer.

What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” By Hellen Keller

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