Morgan Hill woman loved to cook and host dinner parties.
Shirlee Frenzel Locicero of Morgan Hill, California, passed away from complications of an aortic aneurysm on March 24, 2023, at the age of 77.
Shirlee was born on October 6, 1945, in Bremerton, Washington, and grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
At a young age Shirlee always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Raised by her single mom, Ethel Frenzel, hard work was at the cornerstone of Shirlee’s existence.
After graduating from Lake Oswego High School in 1964, Shirlee attended Portland State University before moving to California. Shirlee worked her way through college and graduated from California State University, at Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy. Shirlee was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Shirlee continued her education at San Jose State University where she received her social science degree along with a teaching credential.
Shirlee met her husband, Ron, in 1968 while on vacation in San Diego. They were married in August of 1970. Ron and Shirlee had three daughters and moved to Morgan Hill in 1976 to raise their family. Shirlee loved teaching. She taught first grade for 30 years. Her impact will be felt for many generations. When asked if she worked outside of the home, Shirlee loved saying “Yes, I teach children to read and it’s very rewarding.”
Shirlee volunteered for many years as both a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She also enjoyed volunteering in her children’s classrooms as a room parent. Shirlee continued volunteering in her spare time by teaching English to adults.
Shirlee loved to cook and host dinner parties. She loved animals, especially her dogs. She loved traveling and being near the water.
In retirement, Ron and Shirlee spearheaded and proudly helped raise $6 million to bring the Magical Bridge Park (an all-inclusive playground) to Morgan Hill, which will be a lasting legacy for the community.
Generations will be positively impacted by Shirlee’s work as a teacher, philanthropist, mother and grandmother.
Shirlee is preceded in death by her grandparents Ed and Myrtle Lotzer and her mother, Ethel Frenzel. Shirlee is survived by her husband, Ron, and their daughters Marsha Locicero, Lisa Sanchez-Silva (Renzo), and Kimberly Locicero, sister Sharon Frenzel, nephews Stuart Brioza (Nicole) and Adam Brioza, plus their amazing grandchildren and great-nephew.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center at 3 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Magical Bridge Morgan Hill.
