Shirley Elizabeth Gibson was a smart, dedicated attorney who worked against displacement and for fair and affordable housing for low-income tenants throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Shirley bravely fought through recurring cancer for 11 years without complaint or fear of death, all the while continuing to extend her kindness, energy and dedication to the people and causes she cared about to the very end. She died peacefully on November 4, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was 49.
In 2007, she joined the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County to develop their housing practice and eviction defense program, rising to become the directing attorney of their housing unit in 2011, in which capacity she served for the rest of her career. In 2019, Shirley was recognized by the Western Center for Law and Poverty with the Mary Burdick Advocacy Award for her extraordinary contributions to social justice in the arena of housing stability for low-income tenants and homeowners. Shirley received Legal Aid SMC’s 2021 George R. Corey–Linda M. Gemello award in recognition of the selflessness and generosity of her work for justice for all.
A memorial service and celebration of Shirley’s life is scheduled for Friday, December 17, 2021 at 6 p.m. PST at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco. Due to COVID protocols, capacity is limited for the in-person event. To register or to get information about the live-stream and additional ways to honor Shirley, please visit tinyurl.com/ShirleyGibsonMemorial.
Shirley Gibson was one of the most amazing human beings we've known. She helped so many people at risk of losing their homes. Seeming to be indefatigable, we knew she was struggling with cancer but she never let it dominate her drive and commitment to humanity. We are grieving for this terrible loss, and send her family our deepest condolences.
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Shirley Gibson was one of the most amazing human beings we've known. She helped so many people at risk of losing their homes. Seeming to be indefatigable, we knew she was struggling with cancer but she never let it dominate her drive and commitment to humanity. We are grieving for this terrible loss, and send her family our deepest condolences.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.