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Shirley Louise Harper, 83, born on March 18, 1931 in Los Angeles, California, passed away January 31, 2015. She resided in Woodland Hills, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.
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I was so blessed to have drawn Shirley Harper as my Government teacher in the Spring of 1973 at Taft High School. She was truly a renaissance woman who was as much at ease talking about theater and the arts as she was talking about law , politics and the workings of Congress and Sacramento.
Miss Harper was truly a motivator and an inspiration in my career choices and today as I sit on the bench in Los Angeles it is in no small part due to her guidance and love. I truly believe she loved all her students and Taft and the Los Angeles Unified School District had a treasure in Shirley Harper.
With all her teaching responsibilities she still found time to play cupid and forced this very shy boy to ask out the beautiful and talented junior who was in her US History class just before my Government class. That junior became my senior prom date and it was a magical night. To this day I still can't think of that night without thinking of Shirley Harper's role.
I am of course saddened by this loss but more saddened that I didn't have an opportunity to say "good-bye" and to tell her how I felt one last time.
Posted by: Alan H. Friedenthal - Sherman Oaks, CA - Student and Friend Jun 02, 2015
Shirley was my favorite teacher - ever - and a good friend over the years. She made a difference in a lot of people's lives and she will be missed.
Posted by: Steve Stoliar - Studio City, CA - Former Student & Friend Jun 02, 2015
I met Shirley Harper in 1966, when I was a sixteen year old student at Taft High School. I kept in touch with her for the next 48 years. She was always my inspiration and my mentor. She shared her books, her music, and her love of learning with me. She introduced me to her beloved Cecilia Bartoli. She was such a vibrant, alive woman with a wonderful sense of humor. It's hard for me to believe she is gone,
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Posted by: Ann Rankin - Piedmont, CA - former student Mar 10, 2015
Miss Harper was simply the best teacher I had in my life. She changed me and made my life possible. I still remember her lectures vividly and the love I maintain for her is the same as it was in 1973 when I first met her in class at Taft High School. The debt I owe to her can never be repaid.
Posted by: Sherril Nell Babcock-Wells - Fresno, CA, CA - grateful student Feb 08, 2015
Tu reviens ne jamais?
The secret of a life well-lived
Lies always in the love we give.
Now your music rings with furin chime:
"Io vivo quasi in cielo," having-done with time.
Adio, mi amica, adio? No!
E "Ch'io mi scordi di te?" E no.
Vous, chère amie, je me souviendrai
Toujours. Sempre. Always, dear S, always
P
Posted by: Pen - Chicago, IL Feb 07, 2015
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Robin Hill
How could I ever forget you dear Shirley? I know that you touched so many of us in your same sweet way. You taught this shy and insecure young boy more than French. How can I ever thank you? Thank you for holding us to a higher standard of living life more fully. (Blueberry)