Shirley Karen Tanzola

Shirley Karen Tanzola Resident of Albuquerque , NM Passed away Peacefully on August 31, 2026 from her battle with Frontal Temporal Dementia and her Physical Disabilities.

Shirley was Born in Rockwell, Iowa February 27, 1940 and Raised in Mason City, Iowa. Then came to Albuquerque in 1959 with her Sister Mary Lou.

She was Preceded in Death by Husband James Roger Tanzola, Parents Frederick Charles Plath and Carrie Rosetta Smith Plath, six siblings Edwin Plath, Merrill Plath, Keith Plath, Rosetta Dunlop, Dorothy Steele, Mary Lou Dimmitt.

She is survived by three children Kevin McCreary, Kari Sue Wasson and Michael McCreary, and Jame's Sons Brian James Tanzola and Adam Tanzola, Four Grandchildren Jared McCreary, Dylan McCreary and Karina McCreary, Two Great Grandchildren, Harry Graham and Renarin Allen McCreary and many Nieces and Nephews.

Graduate of Mason City High School, Attended Mason City Junior College, UNM and North Texas State.

Shirley was Director of Activities for Office of Senior Affairs for the City of Albuquerque, and La Vida Llena Retirement Community for 40 Years. She Founded Albuquerque Senior Theater which she Directed and Produced many plays at Senior Centers and Local Theaters for 10 years . Founded Clowns Against Frowns Group at Central United Methodist Church and visited with the children at Ronald McDonald House and many hospitals and Retirement facilities with the group.

Produced Senior Olympics Talent Show, Applied Stage Makeup for the Actors and Actresses at Albuquerque Little Theater, Volunteered at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Chase Crew, Participated in Civil Air Patrol with her husband Jim Tanzola who was the pilot, Member of American Legion Auxillary.

Her Hobbies were Mystery Book Collecting, Rubber Stamp Embossing, Oil Painting , Photography, Writing Music , Country Western Dancing, Learning Piano, Crochet and Gardening.

She was Former member of Abq Daylily Society and Petal pushers club at the Albuquerque Garden Center The Red Hat Society and Mazda Miata Club . She loved Wonder Woman and NCIS and Mystery Movies. Her Favorite Movie was "The Holiday" and having many themed Tea Parties for Friends and Children.

Thank you Olivia Romero and her Staff at Avista Senior Living in Albuquerque for the great care you gave to Shirley and Gavin Malm and Margaret Olivas at ContinuLiving for helping Shirley and her daughter finding the best care for Shirley.

Memorial contributions may be made to

Albuquerque Garden Center

https://www.albuquerquegardencenter.org/donate

A Visitation will be held Monday, September 7, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m at

French Funerals & Cremations    Wyoming & San Antonio

7121 Wyoming Blvd NE    Albuquerque, NM 87109

Funeral will be held Tuesday, September 8,2026 at 10:00 am 

French Funerals & Cremations    Wyoming & San Antonio

7121 Wyoming Blvd NE   Albuquerque, NM 87109

Burial to Follow at

Santa Fe National Cemetery

501 North Guadalupe Street    Santa Fe, NM 87501