Shirley Cook Lundgren

Shirley Cook Lundgren

Shirley was born in Van, Texas.  She was the youngest of eight children born to William Horace and Twilla Eva Cook.  She was predeceased by her four brothers Edlo, Currey, Lloyd, and Bayne Cook as well as three sisters Nell Fife, Joyce Staton and, and (step-sister) Maribeth Underwood Darby.  She is survived by her sister Euline Sherbert and her sister-in-law Christine Cook of Van, Texas.

Shirley graduated from Van High School. She attended Tyler Junior College, and The University of Texas in Austin, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.  While attending UT, a hometown friend introduced her to Edwin "Sammy" Lundgren.  Three weeks later they eloped to Texarkana, Arkansas. Sammy was the love of her life for 66 years, and one month away from celebrating their 67th anniversary.

The couple was blessed with five beautiful children. The hardest thing was losing three children, Greg, Nancy Hoyt, and Bradley. She is survived by her husband, Edwin "Sammy" Lundgren, her oldest son Stan and his wife, Suzie Lundgren, and her youngest son, Mark and his wife, Darlene Lundgren, as well as a host of grand and great grandchildren.

Shirley also survived by some very special people in her life, The Hilltop Gang of neighbors, who have taken care of each other for years, her Monday bridge group, her friend and beautician Jodie Garcia for over fifty years, and her Methodist Church Family.

She embodied grace, charm, determination, and devotion, quick to comfort and help those in need. She was quick to say "Well bless her heart" when provoked, as well.  She loved entertaining and traveling and the Lundgren home was a warm and welcoming place for friends and family.  An accomplished hostess, dancer, seamstress, community servant, homemaker, mother and wife.  Shirley was the bright star her family revolved around and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A Memorial service honoring Shirley's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday June 16, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church in Elgin Texas.  No graveside service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family request a contribution to the First United Methodist Church of Elgin.