With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Shirin Chase, a cherished daughter, mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, who peacefully departed this life on July 30, 2024, at the age of 79. Shirin was born on October 22, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to Jewel Theresa Thomas and Harry Kuan. Her life was one of unwavering dedication to her family, her faith, her career, and her community.
Shirin’s life story is a testament to love and commitment. She met the love of her life, LeRoy Chase Jr., during their high school years at a dance. Despite attending different schools—Shirin at Bishop Conaty, an all-girls’ high school and LeRoy at Mount Carmel, an all-boys’ high school—their connection was instant and deep. They began dating in their junior year and were married in August 1965, embarking on a lifelong journey together. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Kymberly, born in Los Angeles in 1966, Nicole, born in Salt Lake City during their time at the University of Utah, and Danielle, born in 1979 in the San Fernando Valley. The Chase family made their home in the San Fernando Valley, where they cultivated lasting friendships and a strong sense of community.
Shirin was a devoted wife and mother, known for creating a nurturing and supportive environment for her family. Her commitment to education and professional growth was equally strong. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Welfare and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, both from California State University Northridge. Shirin became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a role in which she excelled and made a lasting impact.
In her professional life, Shirin was a beacon of guidance and support. She served as a Clinical Supervisor for the Foster Family Agency at Hathaway/Sycamores Child and Family Services, where she provided invaluable direction, training, and support to employees and foster families. Her role at the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley’s Family Preservation program was equally impactful, as she offered individual and family therapy, helping countless families navigate challenging times.
Shirin’s dedication to service extended beyond her professional work. She was appointed as a Los Angeles County Probation Commissioner by former Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. In this esteemed role, she worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of services provided to youth in various facilities, demonstrating her deep commitment to the well-being of young people. Shirin’s private practice as an LMFT was a testament to her passion for helping others, particularly in the areas of grief and loss therapy, marital counseling, and youth guidance.
Throughout her career, Shirin was known for her conscientiousness, perseverance, and creative thinking. She was a natural leader, capable of motivating and building cohesive teams that achieved remarkable results. Her proactive and decisive nature allowed her to navigate new challenges with grace and success.
Shirin was not only dedicated to her career but also deeply committed to her faith and community. A devout Catholic, she was an active member of Beta Pi Sigma Sorority for many years, where she built lifelong friendships and contributed to the sorority’s mission of service and sisterhood. Shirin found joy in playing tennis with friends, swimming with her children, and supporting her family’s athletic, educational, and creative endeavors. Family vacations were a particular source of happiness for Shirin, with cherished memories of trips to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Mexico, where she enjoyed activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, fishing, and dancing.
Shirin leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication. She is survived by her daughters Kymberly Chase, Nicole Chase, and Danielle Lasley; her son-in-law Aaron Lasley; her grandchildren Chase Lasley, Blake Lasley, and Eden Lasley; her mother-in-law Ruth Smith; brother-in-law Daryl Smith; sister-in-law Madeline Smith; nephews Ian, Sean, and Jason Smith and their children, James and Stephen Smith, and Kayla Smith; extended family members Karen, Michael, and Dallas Slider; and many close family friends, including Jackie McDowell, Mary-Ellen, Lillian Hall, Stella Murell, Norma Johnson, Julian and Arita Montoya, Hector Rodriguez and numerous others who will forever cherish her memory.
Shirin Chase was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by love, compassion, and a commitment to her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed.