BY JOE GORMAN
Longtime Educator
Shirley Cleary is a living legend. She has an outer toughness that never quite disguises her sincere heart of gold.
Shirley was the truant officer for Gloucester City public schools for many years. She was as tough as they came, but no one ever loved the kids of Gloucester more. She ran Toys for Tots. She raised much needed funds for struggling families.
Shirley would chase down a student cutting school, notice his sneakers had holes in them, and a new pair would mysteriously appear at his house the next day. Her generosity was boundless.
Shirley knew every teacher, secretary, police officer and judge working in Gloucester City and she would squeeze any of them for a donation if a kid needed a winter jacket or new clothes. She was a very difficult person to say “no” to – the kids always came first with her.
She has touched many lives and loved the kids of Gloucester City and their families. Shirley is retired now and I hope she is enjoying life. She sure helped a lot of students better their lives.
