Shirley Mae Defazio

Shirley Mae DeFazio (Pompa) passed unexpectedly in Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California at the age of 91.

Shirley is survived by her children, Richard, Debra and Terri, of Sacramento. She is preceded in death by her husband Anthony DeFazio of Sacramento; her father; Joseph H. Pompa of Lawrence, Massachusetts; mother; Alice Lockett and brother Marc Pompa of Sacramento.

Shirley was born on October 17, 1934, in Sacramento, California) to Joseph and Alice Pompa. She graduated from Sacramento High School. She married the love of her life, “Tony DeFazio” in 1952. Shirley had been working at the DMV at 15th and Broadway at the time. A few years later the couple welcomed their first son, Richard (1955); then Debra (1956) and Terri (1958). Shirley and Tony set out nurturing their children, setting the example of support, especially a work ethic throughout their lives. Shirley’s children remember her as an amazing, brave, dedicated, independent, progressive, brilliant, talented mother who encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

Shirley was an accomplished artist and poet. She had one of her oil paintings shown in the Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento, California. She had also won a statewide award for the poem, “The Life of a Book”. She also became a “Senior Legal” for the Sacramento County Juvenile Probation Department for 26 years. Retired in 1999.

She loved life and was passionate about being with Tony, horseshoeing and following her children’s endeavors and accomplishments throughout their lives with never-ending love and support. She also loved animals.

The funeral will take place on October 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church (1333 58th St. Sacramento, CA 95819).

The reception to follow at "The Dante Event Center" from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Rosary for Shirley will be held at Nicoletti's on October 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM (5401 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, California 95819).