SHIRLEY ZOETER MUCKENTHALER, FUHS '41

Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 19:01:51 -0800

FULLERTON – Shirley Zoeter Muckenthaler, whose husband's family built the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton and who was involved in charitable work in her own right, died Jan. 3 at home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 87.At her request, a private visitation and graveside service will be held, daughter Peggy Muckenthaler Albert said Tuesday.

Muckenthaler was born on east Amerige Avenue in Fullerton, less than three miles from her last residence. She attended Fullerton Union High School where she met her future husband, Harold Muckenthaler.

The couple was married 67 years ago on Valentine's Day.In 1965, the Muckenthalers donated the 18-room mansion, built in 1924 on eight acres, to the city for the public to enjoy. Throughout their married life, Muckenthaler was active in the Muckenthaler Center Circle, Assistance League of Fullerton, Ebell Club of Fullerton, PTA groups and Girl Scouts, for which she served as a leader. "Mother was always a hands-on person, never in a leadership role," Peggy Muckenthaler Albert said.

In addition to her husband and daughter, Muckenthaler is survived by another daughter, Kathy Riddle of Newport Beach, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Sherryl Drayton. Donations in her memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society or the Muckenthaler Cultural Center.

McAulay & Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton handled the arrangements.

(This news came in an email from Mike Johnson, Class rep for class of ‘58)