Shirley M. Amore

Shirley Margaret Amore, February 16, 1950 – March 1, 2018

It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Shirley Margaret Amore announces her passing on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the age of 68 years. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, to parents Henry Wellington Craig and Huetta Jean Craig, Shirley lived a joyful and fulfilling life always surrounded by loved ones. 

Shirley will be forever remembered by her husband and best friend of 32 years, John Amore, as well as her children James Halligan, Chris Amore, Aric Amore, Tad Amore and her daughters-in-law, Ginger Pelz, Beth Amore, and Rachel Amore. Loved dearly by brother Hugh Craig (Janet) and sister, the late Sheila Craig, special aunt to Jason Craig (Tracy), Nathan and Gavin. She will also be fondly remembered by her six grandchildren, Jaden, Mirabelle, Hunter, Milo, Nolan, and Finley Amore.

Shirley loved to travel and especially enjoyed exploring Colorado’s beautiful backcountry with husband John. A trusted friend and confidant, Shirley was kind, generous, and always lent an ear to those seeking advice. As an avid book lover, she cherished timeless literary classics and reading stories to her grandchildren. Shirley loved to bake for family members and warmed everyone’s spirits each year with her delicious holiday pies and cookies. 

Dedicated to a life-long pursuit of public service, Shirley shared her expertise and poured her passion into the library. She left her mark within several public library organizations including Fairfield, CT, Broward and Sarasota counties in Florida, and finished her career in Denver, CO. As the first female City Librarian for Denver Public Library, Shirley had many recognized accomplishments but she was most proud of her community work. In 2014 she was awarded the ADA Access Award by the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition for her advocacy relating to the promotion of universal access to the Denver Library. In 2015, Shirley was honored by the Girl Scouts of Colorado as a 2015 Woman of Distinction in Denver and in honor of her retirement, Denver Mayor Hancock proclaimed January 27, 2015 as Shirley Amore Day. 

With so much love to share, along her way she took on the role of “Mom” to many people other than her own children. The programs Shirley ran as the Denver City Librarian for 8 years helped underserved Denver residents on a daily basis. After retirement she continued helping local kids get an education and the support they deserved through her work with several not-for-profit organizations, especially Career Online High School, a Denver Public Library funded organization. Shirley’s passion to help people never stopped. 

We are all devastated, shocked and in disbelief, so suddenly and unexpected you left us. Your MARK has been left, your LEGACY lives on, and your VOICE will never be forgotten.

Thank you, Shirley Amore, we all will live a better life because of you.

The family will be having a private memorial gathering for close friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Career Online High School via the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/dplff . In the comments field please include “Career Online High School.”

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