ViiviAnn Aarma Shirley lived a life of public service and leadership to her community and was a strong role model as mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
She was a mayor of Perry, Iowa, first filling a term vacated upon the death of her husband, Alan Shirley, in 2004 and re-elected twice before she retired from office. She was a champion of Hispanic residents who immigrated to Perry, helping with resources and adjustment to their new community.
A lifelong Democrat, she was involved in local, state and national politics. When her husband successfully ran for the Iowa State Senate, she wrote his campaign ads and slogans.
A Drake University graduate in education, ViiviAnn taught school for several years before receiving her master’s of science from Iowa State University in marriage and family therapy. ViiviAnn was a therapist for 20 years with Southeast Youth and Family Services.
Through an Iowa State University program, she traveled throughout the U.S. to train therapists and lay personnel to provide mental health services for vulnerable youth and families.
Born in Tallinn, Estonia, on Dec. 27, 1940, her father, mother and younger sister escaped the Russian communist takeover of Estonia, immigrating to Sweden in 1944, where she lived until 1955, when her family immigrated to the U.S.
One of her big secrets was being crowned homecoming queen in Kulm, N.D., just a few years after arriving in the U.S. — a testament to her ability to create relationships.
She will be missed by her family, friends and Circle sisters for her laughter, love of gardening, good food and wine, impeccable taste, hunting morel mushrooms and her ability to make those who knew her feel special. ViiviAnn was most grateful that her children and grandchildren are good and kind people.
ViiviAnn is survived by her children, Elise Reiser and Jill Shirley, both of Waukee; grandchildren, Liisi Reiser of West Des Moines; William Reiser of Waukee; and their father, Paul Reiser of Minneapolis; her sisters, ViiveReet Slayback (Baker) of Denver, Piia Mai Aarma (Mike Curtis) of Honolulu and Helle Marie Aarma of Towson, Maryland; nephew, Scott Wetzbarger (Natalia) of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica; sister-in-law, Brenda Turner (J.D.) of Savannah, Georgia; nieces, Elizabeth Howard (Kevin) of Smithfield, Kentucky, Meredith Anton (Bill) of Portland, Maine, and Kirsten Turner (Rick Ingram) of Lexington, Kentucky; honorary daughter-in-law, Carolyn Flower, and her daughter, Abby Reiser, of Tacoma, Washington; and Beaux the dog, who would often be seen riding in the front seat next to Viivi.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Lori, Skip, Marcia and Angie at EveryStep Hospice; Briana and Darci at Integrity Home Health Services; and Dr. Steve Sohn for supporting us in fulfilling Mom’s wish to die at home.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 1 at LaPoste in Perry. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Memory sharing will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dallas County Foundation, of which she was a founding member. Online condolences may be left at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.
