Shirley B. Bloomer

Shirley B. Bloomer, 67, of Baker City died May 5, 2015 in the Presbyterian Care Center in Ontario, OR.

Recitation of the Rosary and visitation will be Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 7:00 PM at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Baker City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 11 at 11:00 AM at the Cathedral with Father Robert Greiner officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery with a reception following at St. Francis de Sales Parish Hall.

Please bring your family for a time to share memories, stories and pictures.

Shirley was born on July 11, 1947 to the late Donald and Ida Hindman (Gerry) in Baker City, Oregon. She learned, from her parents, the importance of family unity and togetherness, values that she carried forward and shared with her own children.

As a child she was raised in Durkee with many hours spent playing with her siblings and cousins. They then moved to LaGrande where she was a cheerleader and part of the dance team. She spent many hours with family on the river and time in California with her cousins. She graduated from LaGrande High School in 1965 and soon married Gary Bloomer. They raised four children in Durkee Valley. Shirley was a devoted mother and homemaker. Warm banana bread, cookies, or a home baked snack was always ready for her kids after school. Family meals were important to her, and the family sat down not only to eat, but to share the important happenings of their day. She was deeply devoted to faith and family. Shirley was very involved with her church, Sacred Heart in Durkee and St. Francis de Sales in Baker City by being part of the Folk Choir, Altar Society, religious education, holiday programs and community service programs. She was very active in life and loved water skiing, gardening and being outside; anytime the sun was out, she was out. She was always doing something and would never sit still for too long.

Shirley lived a courageous life with Multiple Sclerosis, while showing the world that no matter what challenges you may be given, it does not have to define who you are. She handled it with grace, love and dignity. Complaining was not part of her character as she continued to live her days with integrity. Even through her final days, she left an impression on those around her with a strong spirit. Shirley gave the wonderful gift of love, compassion, strength and forgiveness as she touched the lives of many. She is an instrument of God, and will be with us forever.

Shirley is survived by her children Sharry (Dale) Smull of Durkee, Oregon; Tammy (Shane) Pierce of Denver, Colorado; Cindy (Tod) Chandler of Baker City; And Craig (Peter) Bloomer of Chicago, Illinois; Her brothers Jack and Steve Hindman; Sisters Sue Wirth, Patty Hindman, Judy VanDyke, Toni Alford; and nine grandchildren and on great granddaughter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.