Shirley Rita Torrence Fagan Bardwell Obituary

On November 3, 2021, Shirley Rita Torrence Fagan Bardwell passed away. She was 102. She was born October 28, 1919, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Oliver Torrence. She was a native of Hammond, LA and married the love of her life Dr. Charles Merlin Fagan, Sr. on September 13, 1943. She loved to travel to the mountains in Gatlinburg and the trips to Florida were her most favorite. Her greatest joy was being with her family. We will miss all the fun and love she brought to each and every one of us.

She and her husband Dr. Charles Merlin Fagan, Sr., were very instrumental in starting the first Hammond Association for Handicap Citizens (known as TARC today) as well as the first class for the Handicap Citizens in 1960 at Eastside Elementary School. They also helped to establish the first workshop for Handicapped Citizens in Tangipahoa Parish.

She is survived by her sons Charles Merlin Fagan, Jr. (Jennifer) and Thomas Leo Fagan (Joni); grandchildren, Laura Gill (Roger), Christopher Fagan, Shanna Hoosier (Robert) and Chad Fagan (Katherine); great grandchildren Dayne Commander (Gary), Chasen Gill (fiance' Kaitlyn Hawkins), Ambar Fagan, Robby Hoosier, Nathan Hoosier, Madilynn Hoosier, Kyle Fagan, Lane Fagan, and Cami Fagan; great great grandchildren, Cambre Commander, Brock Commander, and Vivian Commander. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husbands Dr. Charles Merlin Fagan and Milton Bardwell; her sister Ms. Audrey Torrence Bachman, a son James Robert Fagan and an infant daughter.

There will be a private graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery with Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home handling arrangements. The family would like to thank Heritage Health Care of Hammond and New Century Hospice (Janet Becnel) for the loving care that was extended to Ms. Shirley. Also, thanks to everyone for their prayers, cards, and visits.

An online guestbook is available at www.harrymckneely.com.