Shirley Chaisson Bourquard passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the age of 87. She was the cherished wife of the late Rene Albert Bourquard, Sr. for 58 years. Loving mother of Rene Albert Bourquard, Jr. and Jeanne Bourquard Wood and their spouses, Connie Thompson Bourquard and Jess Wood, Sr. Daughter of the late Harry Paul Chaisson and Gratia “Gladys” Campora Kuss. Stepdaughter of Charles W. Kuss. Sister of Harriet C. Ordes. Proud grandmother of Danielle B. Noriea (Joe), Samuel “Allen” Bodden, Jr. (Meghan) and Amanda Bourquard. She truly adored her great grandchildren Grace Elsensohn, Faith Elsensohn, Conner Noriea, Sammi Bodden, Sydney Bodden and Rhett Noriea. Also survived and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends. Shirley was born on February 12, 1932 in New Orleans, LA. She was an actress at NORD Theater and taught drama at Loyola University. She was a talented opera singer and sang at local churches, including Our Lady of Prompt Succor for many years and a member of the Summerfield Shanty Singers. She was the author of several books based on her work as a certified genealogist. She will be forever remembered as a devoted wife and loving mother and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited attended visitation at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, December 21, 2019 followed by a funeral mass in the Chapel. She was laid to rest next to her husband in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com