Shirley M. Franta Obituary

Shirley Mae Franta (née Nemeth) 80 of Burbank, California moved on from this world on March 18th, 2025 in Glendale, California. Shirley was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend—a big-hearted soul who will be greatly missed. 

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She was born in Lorain, Ohio, on June 5, 1944, and graduated in 1962 from Admiral King High School, where she also earned her beautician's license.

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Shirley moved to Southern California in her early twenties and fell in love with it. There she stayed for the rest of her life. She loved the sunshine and beautiful weather and made many friends. She loved walking to the local park with Cookie, her beloved dog. She often joked that Cookie was her favorite child. They both enjoyed going to the beach and could be found at the Burbank Farmers Market every weekend chatting and making friends. 

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Shirley started and grew her own photography business, Shirley Franta Photography, where she was honored to work parties for then-Mayor of Los Angeles Tom Bradley and to have the pleasure of meeting celebrities like Rock Hudson, Lily Tomlin, and Tea Leoni at some of her other gigs. 

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Shirley is a two time recipient of The WeHo (West Hollywood) award for Outstanding Photographer 

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Shirley is survived by her daughter Suzanne (Franta) Gray, son-in-law Glen Gray, and grandchildren Nicole Gray and Justin Gray.

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Shirley was preceded in death by parents Joseph and Mary Nemeth; brother Donald Nemeth, his wife Carol, and his daughter Denise; and her sister Carol Jean White.

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Her warmth, humor, and love for life will be remembered by all who knew her.

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