Shirley Wood Force

It has been 5 years-

The ultimate performer, dancer, singer, and musician, went to be with the Lord peacefully, with family all around, and huge amounts of love. Shirley is now full of health, joyfully dancing and singing, with other loved ones who went before, and is experiencing what we all have been promised, just in a better country, called Heaven.

Her roots began in New York where her father Wm Arthur Force 3rd, ran a successful family business in the printing and engraving industry. After some time, she and her mother Jane, moved west, eventually arriving in California.

Shirley was talented in many areas. As a teenager she was a gifted horsewoman, riding her favorite Arabian, barrel racing, and teaching riding in Covina where she went to High School.

From there, she graduated from the Pasadena Playhouse. Then, after a stint in college, she ultimately settled in Santa Barbara where she married and had her only child, daughter Sheridan. The two of them were extremely close and shared in so many wonderful pursuits and joys.

Shirley was an avid and gifted folk dancer, becoming an expert in dance, collecting original museum quality ethnic costumes, and performing around the state. Her collection of music for these dances was also well known. She was considered to be one of the premier folk dancers in the area and much sought after for teaching.

She was also instrumental in promoting the various folk-dance events regularly held in Santa Barbara, as well as special performances and festivals. Part of the festivities would often include traditional food recipes gathered and shared to continue the traditions and the education about these ethnic cultures.

As the folk-dance scene ebbed and flowed, Shirley, with the great encouragement of her dearest friend and fellow folk dancer and musician Sue R, began playing riqq with the newly created UCSB Middle East Ensemble. For ~25 years, Shirley was a vital part of that great ensemble. Here too, she would collect and then share middle eastern costumes and instruments for the performers to wear and use at their concerts. They would often rehearse at her home where everyone was warmly welcomed and fed with great food from around the world.

In between all of this, Sheridan and her husband Louis R. Torres, gave Shirley 3 more wonderful joys to her life- grandchildren: Louis, Aislinn, and Tenley, whom she adored. Eventually, she also was able to enjoy 2 great-grandchildren (now totaling 4) as well.

Glory comes from the gift of God’s love. Shirley gave lots of love. And she was truly loved in return. We miss you!