Shirley L. Roti Roti

November 1st, 1922 - April 10th, 2020

Shirley 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Shirley here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

The Roti Roti family treated me as one of their own members as I was growing up. Mrs. Roti Roti always had a kind word (even if she did remind me that I had gained weight 10 years after high school). When I wasn't doing great in her Art class and decided to transfer out, she paused a moment and said, "Well, I think that's best." And she smiled. What a very kind woman! Talented! Always interested in how others were doing. She left a great legacy behind that will not be forgotten. Your friend, Don Stowell

Don A. Stowell

August 10th, 2021 at 2:20pm

What beautiful memories you have written on behalf of your dear mother!

Donna: We were so happy to finally have the opportunity to meet your mother (you always spoke so highly of her for so many years) at your retirement reception in the Christopher Center Library a few years ago. One could see how proud she was of you and all your accomplishments.

We keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as you continue to reflect on and cherish the life that she lived.

Detra Becker

April 16th, 2020 at 12:46pm

I am so saddened to hear the news of Shirley's death. Joseph, Anne, Mary, Donna , Elizabeth , and Jon , please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of your mother, and in a sense a mother to me too during the 6 months I spent at your home at her invitation as a high school exchange student. Shirley was amazing in the way she got Dan to welcome me to your home and make me part of the family . I enjoyed spending time with her in her studio and watch her do her pottery work and also do everything she can to introduce me to the beautiful expression of her art that was so prolific. I will always remember her as a host parent who opened her home doors to welcome a foreign exchange student from a far away country with a very different culture and not be afraid to handle the unknown and the challenges that come with it, especially with no children of my age at home to help in the orientation. Yet for all, she did, and that is how courageous she was and open minded she was, and I think it was that desire to open the minds of everyone to accept a person from an entirely different culture was her creative way of changing the perspectives of the loved ones near her, like it was with the art. Shirley....you will always be my other mom. Love you forever. Chris Dharmakirti (exchange student in 1980/81). Jon please do get in touch, I hope you are still in Chicago. I am on facebook and also on linked in. chrisdharmakirti@gmail.com